Word: Acid-Base Equilibrium
Part of Speech: Noun (specifically used in physiology)
Definition: Acid-base equilibrium refers to the balance between acids and bases (alkalis) in the body. It is important for maintaining the right pH level in the blood and other fluids. A normal acid-base balance means that the body has enough alkalinity (which is slightly above neutral) to function properly.
Usage Instructions: You can use "acid-base equilibrium" when discussing health, biology, or chemistry, especially when explaining how the body maintains its pH levels.
Example Sentence: "Doctors often test a patient's acid-base equilibrium to ensure that their body is functioning correctly."
Advanced Usage: In more advanced contexts, you might discuss how acid-base equilibrium is vital for metabolic processes or how disturbances in this balance can lead to conditions like acidosis (too much acid) or alkalosis (too much base).
Word Variants: - Acidic (adjective): Having a low pH, meaning it is more like an acid. - Alkaline (adjective): Having a high pH, meaning it is more like a base. - Acidosis (noun): A condition where the body has too much acid. - Alkalosis (noun): A condition where the body has too much base.
Different Meanings: While "acid-base equilibrium" primarily refers to the balance in the body, in chemistry, it can also refer to the concept of equilibrium in chemical reactions involving acids and bases.
Synonyms: - pH balance - Acid-base balance
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "acid-base equilibrium," but you can talk about "finding balance" in a general sense, which can be applied to many situations.
Related Concepts: - Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions. - pH scale: A scale used to measure how acidic or alkaline a solution is.