Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make or become alkaline; to turn basic and less acidic: The process of increasing the pH level of a substance, making it less acidic and more basic.

Usage

• This verb describes a chemical process. It is often used in scientific, medical, or industrial contexts.
• It can be used both transitively (with a direct object) and intransitively (without a direct object).
• The core meaning is to cause a shift towards alkalinity or to undergo such a shift.

Examples

• Transitive use (with an object):
  • Farmers sometimes alkalise the soil to improve crop growth.
  • The chemist alkalised the solution by adding sodium hydroxide.
• Intransitive use (without an object):
  • Over time, the mixture began to alkalise.
  • If the water alkalises, it may become unsuitable for the fish.

Advanced Usage

• In Medicine/Physiology: Refers to processes in the body, such as reducing acidity in blood or urine.
  • Certain medications can help alkalise the urine.
• In Chemistry/Industry: A key process in various manufacturing and treatment operations.
  • The goal of the treatment stage is to alkalise the wastewater.

Variants and Related Words

• Alkalize (verb): An alternative spelling with the same meaning as 'alkalise'. (Common in American English).
• Alkaline (adjective): Having the properties of an alkali; basic.
  • An alkaline solution has a pH greater than 7.
• Alkalinity (noun): The state of being alkaline; the capacity to neutralize acid.
  • They measured the alkalinity of the lake water.
• Alkalisation/Alkalization (noun): The act or process of making something alkaline.
  • The alkalisation of the soil was necessary.

Synonyms

• Basify: To make basic. (A more technical synonym).
• Neutralize: To make chemically neutral. (This can imply reaching a pH of 7, not necessarily alkaline).
• Deacidify: To remove acid from.

Antonyms

• Acidify: To make or become acid.
• Acidulate: To make slightly acidic.

Verb

1. turn basic and less acidic
   • the solution alkalized