Word: Alkalise (also spelled "alkalize")
Definition:
To alkalise means to change a solution to make it less acidic and more basic (alkaline). This often involves adding substances that increase the pH level of the solution.
Usage Instructions:
- Alkalise is a verb, so it is used to describe an action. - You can use it in different tenses: - Present: "I alkalise the solution." - Past: "I alkalised the solution." - Future: "I will alkalise the solution."
Example Sentence:
- "To improve the water quality, we need to alkalise the acidic water in the pond."
Advanced Usage:
In a scientific context, you might say, "The team decided to alkalise the reaction mixture to optimize the yield of the product." Here, it implies a specific purpose in a laboratory or chemical process.
Word Variants:
- Alkalised (past tense) - Alkalising (present participle) - Alkaline (adjective that describes something that has a pH greater than 7, or is basic)
Different Meanings:
While "alkalise" primarily refers to making something less acidic, in a broader context, it can also refer to improving the balance of substances in the body. For example, some people talk about "alkalising" their diet by eating more fruits and vegetables.
Synonyms:
- Neutralize (in the context of making less acidic) - Raise the pH (in scientific contexts)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "alkalise." However, in scientific discussions, you might hear phrases like "buffering the solution," which refers to stabilizing the pH of a solution, often related to alkalising.