Alkali

al′ka-li, or -lī, n. ( chem. ) a substance which combines with an acid and neutralises it, forming a salt. Potash, soda, and lime are alkalies; they have an acrid taste (that of soap), and turn vegetable blues to green:— pl. Al′kalies .— n. Alkales′cency , tendency to become alkaline.— adj. Alkales′cent , tending to become alkaline: slightly alkaline.— n. Alkalim′eter , an instrument for measuring the strength of alkalies.— adj. Alkaline (al′ka-līn, or -lin), having the properties of an alkali.— n. Alkalin′ity .— v.t. Al′kalise , to render alkaline:— pr.p. al′kalīsing; pa.p. al′kalīsed. See Acid . [Ar. al - qalīy , ashes.]