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alkali

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alkali

Main Entry:: al·ka·li
Pronunciation:: \ˈal-kə-ˌlī\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural al·ka·lies or al·ka·lis
Etymology:: Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-qili the ashes of the plant saltwort
Date:: 14th century

1: a soluble salt obtained from the ashes of plants and consisting largely of potassium or sodium carbonate; broadly : a substance (as a hydroxide or carbonate of an alkali metal) having marked basic properties — compare base 7a2: alkali metal3: a soluble salt or a mixture of soluble salts present in some soils of arid regions in quantity detrimental to agriculture

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