baking soda
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun A white, crystalline, water-soluble powder (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO₃) used primarily as a leavening agent in baking, as an antacid to relieve indigestion, and as a component in effervescent drinks and cleaning solutions.
Usage
Baking soda is used as a mass noun (uncountable). It refers to the specific chemical compound sodium bicarbonate.
Examples
- As a leavening agent:
- The recipe calls for one teaspoon of baking soda to make the cake rise.
- As an antacid or cleaning agent:
- She dissolved a little baking soda in water to soothe her upset stomach.
- A paste of baking soda and water can be used to clean kitchen surfaces.
Advanced Usage
- Chemical Reaction: In baking, baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients (like buttermilk, yogurt, or vinegar) to produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes dough or batter to rise.
- Without an acid to activate it, the baking soda will not work properly in the recipe.
- "Baking soda" vs. "Baking powder": Baking powder contains baking soda plus a dry acid, so it can leaven without an additional acidic ingredient in the recipe.
Variants and Related Words
- Sodium bicarbonate: The scientific or chemical name for baking soda.
- Bicarbonate of soda: A synonym, commonly used in British English.
- Bicarb: (Informal) A shortened, colloquial form.
Synonyms
- Sodium hydrogen carbonate (systematic chemical name)
Related Phrases and Idioms
(This word is a specific compound and does not typically form phrasal verbs or idioms. Its usage is primarily literal.)
Noun
- a white soluble compound (NaHCO3) used in effervescent drinks and in baking powders and as an antacid