alkaline

1 of 2

adjective

al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : basic
especially, of a solution : having a pH of more than 7
alkalinity
ˌal-kə-ˈli-nə-tē How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
noun

alkalinity

2 of 2

noun

al·​ka·​lin·​i·​ty ˌal-kə-ˈli-nə-tē How to pronounce alkalinity (audio)
plural -es
: the quality, state, or degree of being alkaline

Examples of alkaline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Running Tide had struggled to grow kelp offshore at scale and shifted toward deployments of wood chips mixed with alkaline substances, said former general manager Kristinn Hróbjartsson. — Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 Developed by two separate teams of chemists, one adhesive is four times stronger than the commercial adhesives used in duct tape, yet can be broken down in minutes with mildly alkaline water. — New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026 But even alkaline garden soil may become acidic over time as a result of environmental factors, such as acid rain, or the overuse of synthetic fertilizers and other soil amendments. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2026 The challenge is that the hydrogen evolution reaction is slower in alkaline environments, increasing the need for catalysts that can deliver high activity without rapidly losing performance. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alkaline

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alkaline + -ity

First Known Use

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1739, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkaline was in 1682

Phrases Containing alkaline

Rhymes for alkaline

See All Rhymes for alkaline

Browse Nearby Words

alkali mustard
alkaline
alkaline battery
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Cite this Entry

“Alkaline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkaline. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

alkaline

adjective
al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an alkali : basic
alkalinity
ˌal-kə-ˈlin-ət-ē How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

alkaline

adjective
al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : basic
especially, of a solution : having a pH of more than 7
alkalinity
ˌal-kə-ˈlin-ət-ē How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
noun
plural alkalinities
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