acidify

1 of 2

verb

acid·​i·​fy ə-ˈsi-də-ˌfī How to pronounce acidify (audio)
a-
acidified; acidifying

transitive verb

1
: to make acid
2
: to convert into an acid
acidification
ə-ˌsi-də-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce acidify (audio)
a-
noun

acidification

2 of 2

noun

acid·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ə-ˌsi-də-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce acidification (audio)
a-
plural -s
: the act or process of acidifying

Examples of acidify in a Sentence

Verb Pollution caused the soil to acidify.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
When the plant roots encounter an area acidified by decaying plant matter—a chemical gradient distinct from that of animal matter—ABA builds up on the side facing the rot, encouraging growth in the other direction. — Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2026 The ingredients that acidify or sweeten the drink also need to be dialed back in order to balance the mixture; many bartenders will include spices or other ingredients that provide nuance and complexity in the drink. — Esther Tseng, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026 Coffee grounds do not significantly lower soil pH or act as an effective fertilizer; use specialized products to acidify soil. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2026 The forces reshaping the Chesapeake Bay — warming seas, intensifying storms, acidifying waters — are global in origin. — Serena C. McIlwain, Baltimore Sun, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for acidify

Word History

Etymology

Verb

borrowed from French acidifier, from acide acid entry 1 + -ifier -ify

Noun

borrowed from French, from acidi(fier) "to acidify" + -fication -fication

First Known Use

Verb

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acidify was in 1782

Rhymes for acidify

See All Rhymes for acidify

Browse Nearby Words

acidifier
acidify
acidimeter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acidify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acidify. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

acidify

verb
acid·​i·​fy ə-ˈsid-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce acidify (audio)
acidified; acidifying
1
: to make acid
2
: to change into an acid
acidification
ə-ˌsid-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce acidify (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

acidify

verb
acid·​i·​fy -ə-ˌfī How to pronounce acidify (audio)
acidified; acidifying

transitive verb

1
: to make acid
2
: to convert into an acid

intransitive verb

: to become acid
acidifiable
ə-ˌsid-ə-ˈfī-ə-bəl, a- How to pronounce acidify (audio)
adjective
acidification
-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce acidify (audio)
noun
acidifier
ə-ˈsid-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r, a- How to pronounce acidify (audio)
noun
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