alkali
Cross references: 1. base al.ka.li \'al-k*-.li-\ n or alkalies; or alkalis [ME, fr. ML, fr. Ar al-qili the ashes of the plant saltwort] pl 1: a soluble salt obtained from the ashes of plants and consisting largely of potassium or sodium carbonate; broadly : a substance (as a hydroxide or carbonate of an alkali metal) having marked basic properties 2: ALKALI METAL 3: a soluble salt or a mixture of soluble salts present in some soils of ar id regions in quantity detrimental to agriculture