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

1. a white soluble compound (NaHCO3) used in effervescent drinks and in baking powders and as an antacid