*alkali*

adj. 1. having the properties of an alkali. Opposite of acidic. when used of aqueous solutions, it signifies that the solution has a pH greater than 7.
Syn. -- alkaline (vs. acidic), basic [ WordNet 1.5 ]

a. [ Cf. F. alcalifiable. ] Capable of being alkalified, or converted into an alkali. [ 1913 Webster ]

. A sterile plain, containing an excess of alkali, at the bottom of an undrained basin in an arid region; a playa. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

v. i. To become changed into an alkali. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Alkalified p. pr. & vb. n. Alkalifying. ] [ Alkali + -fly: cf. F. alcalifier. ] To convert into an alkali; to give alkaline properties to. [ 1913 Webster ]

. Any one of the univalent metals of group I of the periodic table of the elements, including lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium. The hydroxides of these metals are soluble in water and form strongly basic solutions. [ PJC. ]

n. [ Alkali + -meter. cf. F. alcalimètre. ] An instrument to ascertain the strength of alkalies, or the quantity of alkali in a mixture. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. Of or pertaining to alkalimetry. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. alcalimètrie. ] (Chem.) The art or process of ascertaining the strength of alkalies, or the quantity present in alkaline mixtures. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. alcalin. ] Of or pertaining to an alkali or to alkalies; having the properties of an alkali. [ 1913 Webster ]

Alkaline earths, certain substances, as lime, baryta, strontia, and magnesia, possessing some of the qualities of alkalies. --
Alkaline metals, potassium, sodium, cæsium, lithium, rubidium. --
Alkaline reaction, a reaction indicating alkalinity, as by the action on limits, turmeric, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. 1. thriving in a relatively alkaline environment; (especially of plants requiring a pH above 7) acid-loving
Syn. -- alkali-loving [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. The quality which constitutes an alkali; alkaline property. Thomson. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Alkaline. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

. Any one of various soils found in arid and semiarid regions, containing an unusual amount of soluble mineral salts which effloresce in the form of a powder or crust (usually white) in dry weather following rains or irrigation. The basis of these salts is mainly soda with a smaller amount of potash, and usually a little lime and magnesia. Two main classes of alkali are commonly distinguished: black alkali, which may be any alkaline carbonate, but which practically consists of sodium carbonate (sal soda), which is highly corrosive and destructive to vegetation; and white alkali, characterized by the presence of sodium sulphate (Glauber's salt), which is less injurious to vegetation. Black alkali is so called because water containing it dissolves humus, forming a dark-colored solution which, when it collects in puddles and evaporates, produces characteristic black spots. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

. Waste material from the manufacture of alkali; specif., soda waste. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

a. Alkaline. [ Obs. ] Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To alkalizate. [ R. ] Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. alcalisation. ] The act of rendering alkaline by impregnating with an alkali; a conferring of alkaline qualities. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Alkalized p. pr. & vb. n. Alkalizing ] [ Cf. F. alcaliser. ] To render alkaline; to communicate the properties of an alkali to. [ 1913 Webster ]

/mhw>, n. [ Pref. anti- + alkali. ] Anything that neutralizes, or that counteracts an alkaline tendency in the system. Hooper. [ 1913 Webster ]