Hexabasic

/ˌhɛksəˈbeɪsɪk/ adjective

Definition

In chemistry, describing an acid that can donate six hydrogen ions (protons) in aqueous solution.

Etymology

Compound of 'hexa-' (six) and 'basic,' from the Greek 'basis' meaning foundation. In chemistry, '-ic' acids are contrasted with '-ous' acids, and 'hexabasic' specifies the number of replaceable hydrogen atoms.

Kelly Says

Chemical terminology like 'hexabasic' is built with logic and predictability—once you know 'hexa-' means six and '-basic' refers to hydrogen donation, you can understand the term even if you've never seen it before, making chemistry readable as a language.

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