Dealkalize

/diːˈælkəlaɪz/ verb

Definition

To remove alkaline properties or alkali from a substance.

Etymology

From de- (remove) plus alkali (from Arabic al-qali, plant ashes used in cleaning) plus -ize. A technical chemistry term for reducing alkalinity.

Kelly Says

Dealkalization is crucial in water treatment and agriculture—soils that are too alkaline won't let plants absorb nutrients properly, so chemists had to develop ways to dealkalize the earth where plants needed to grow.

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