alkali etymology

Etymology:

The term "alkali" is derived from the Arabic word القلي (al-qilī), which means "plant ashes" or "ashes of plants."

Meaning and Origin:

The term "alkali" refers to a base or alkaline substance. In chemistry, an alkali is a soluble ionic compound that dissociates in water to yield hydroxyl ions (OH-) and a cation. Alkalis are characterized by their bitter taste, slippery feel, and ability to neutralize acids.

The word "alkali" was originally used to describe the residues left behind after burning certain plants and vegetables. These residues were found to have cleansing properties and were used for making soap and detergent. Over time, the term came to encompass all substances that exhibited similar properties, including soluble bases such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH).

alkali relate terms

  • alkalescent

    Etymology The word alkalescent is derived from two Latin words Alkali Meaning sal

  • alkali

    Etymology The term alkali is derived from the Arabic word القلي al qilī which

  • alkaline

    Etymology The word alkaline comes from the Arabic word al qaliy which means the ash

  • alkali

    Etymology The term alkali is derived from the Arabic word القلي al qilī which

  • base

    Etymology Greek basis a foundation a base Meaning A fundamental or supporting

  • ammonia

    Etymology The word ammonia is derived from the Latin word ammoniacum which is itself

  • leach

    Etymology Old English læccan Proto West Germanic lakōn Proto Germanic lekōn Indo E

  • potash

    Etymology Pot ash Potash is derived from the Middle English term pot askes which re

  • last

    Etymology Middle English laste latest from Old English læst least lowest smalles

  • salt

    Etymology Old English sealt Proto Germanic saltaz Proto Indo European sal salty

  • slat

    Etymology The word slat is derived from the Old English word slæt which means a s

  • compound

    Etymology Compound a word formed from two or more root words or morphemes Meaning

  • perpendicular

    Etymology and Meaning The word perpendicular comes from the Latin words per through

  • diligent

    Etymology Latin diligens present participle of diligere to love to appreciate to f