alkali

• Sustancia soluble en agua que tiñe de azul el papel de tornasol y neutraliza los ácidos formando sales y agua; también, las sales solubles presentes en suelos áridos que pueden perjudicar la agricultura.

A noun referring to a water-soluble compound that turns litmus blue and neutralizes acids to form salts and water, or to soluble salts in arid soils that can harm agriculture.

1. Chemical baseB2formalscientific

   Any of various water-soluble compounds capable of turning litmus blue and reacting with an acid to form a salt and water.

   Base química (álcali)

   • Sodium hydroxide is a common alkali used in soap making.
   • The chemist tested the solution and found it to be an alkali.
   • When an alkali reacts with an acid, it neutralizes it.

   Sinónimosbase

   Antónimosacid

2. Soil salt mixtureC1formalscientific

   A mixture of soluble salts found in arid soils and some bodies of water, often detrimental to agriculture.

   Álcali del suelo

   • The soil in the region has a high alkali content, making it difficult to grow crops.
   • Alkali flats are common in dry desert areas.
   • Farmers must treat alkali soils to improve fertility.