Webster's English Dictionary

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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