The process of becoming more acidic, especially referring to ocean acidification caused by absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This process lowers pH levels and affects marine organisms, particularly those with calcium carbonate shells.
From Latin 'acidus' (sour) plus the suffix '-fication' (making or causing), literally meaning 'the process of making acidic'. The term became prominent in environmental science during the late 20th century with growing awareness of acid rain and ocean chemistry changes.
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