alkali

The definition of an alkali is a soluble salt that comes from the ashes of plants and is made up of mostly potassium or sodium carbonate.

(noun)

Lye and calcium carbonate are each an example of an alkali.

See alkali in Webster's New World College Dictionary

any base or hydroxide, as soda, potash, etc. that is soluble in water and gives a high concentration of hydroxyl ions in solution; specif., any of the hydroxides and carbonates of the alkali metals
any soluble substance, as a mineral salt or mixture of salts, that can neutralize acids, has a pH greater than 7.0, and turns litmus blue: strong alkalies are caustic

Origin: ME alkaly < Ar al-qily, for al-qili, the ashes (of saltwort) < qalai, to roast in a pan

See alkali in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. al·ka·lis or al·ka·lies

A carbonate or hydroxide of an alkali metal, the aqueous solution of which is bitter, slippery, caustic, and characteristically basic in reactions.
Any of various soluble mineral salts found in natural water and arid soils.
Alkali metal.
A substance having highly basic properties; a strong base.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, alkaline substance from calcined plant ashes

Origin: , from Medieval Latin

Origin: , from Arabic al-qily, the ashes, lye, potash

Origin: : al-, the

Origin: + qily, ashes (from qalā, to fry, roast; see qly in Semitic roots)

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