Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To make something acidic or sour; to convert into an acid or increase the acidity of a substance.
2. Verb (intransitive):
   • To become acidic or sour.

Usage

• As a transitive verb, "acidify" means to cause a change in the chemical properties of a substance, lowering its pH level. It is commonly used in scientific, environmental, and culinary contexts.
• As an intransitive verb, "acidify" describes the process by which a substance undergoes this chemical change on its own.

Examples

• Transitive use:
  • Industrial emissions can acidify rainwater, creating acid rain.
  • The chef used lemon juice to acidify the sauce, giving it a tangy flavor.
• Intransitive use:
  • The milk began to acidify after being left out of the refrigerator for too long.
  • Over time, the soil in the region will acidify due to the specific type of pine trees.

Advanced Usage

• "Acidify a solution": A common phrase in chemistry meaning to add an acid to a liquid to lower its pH.
  • The lab procedure requires you to acidify the solution with hydrochloric acid.
• Environmental context: Often used to describe the negative impact on ecosystems, particularly oceans and lakes.
  • Rising carbon dioxide levels are causing the oceans to acidify at an alarming rate.

Variants and Related Words

• Acidification (n): The process of becoming or making something acidic.
  • Ocean acidification is a major threat to coral reefs.
• Acidifier (n): A substance used to cause acidification.
  • Citric acid is a common food acidifier.

Synonyms

• Sour (verb): To make or become sour (often used for taste).
• Acidulate (verb): To make slightly acidic (a more technical synonym).

Antonyms

• Alkalize / Basify (verb): To make alkaline or basic; to raise the pH.
• Neutralize (verb): To make a substance neither acidic nor basic.

Related Phrases

• To acidify the environment: Refers to human activities that increase the acidity of natural systems.
  • Certain agricultural practices can acidify the environment.

Verb

1. turn acidic
   • the solution acetified
2. make sour or more sour