acid
noun (countable)
UKˈæ.sɪdUSˈæ.sɪd
a chemical substance usually having a sour taste and capable of reacting with a base to form a salt; often corrosive and found in various industrial and biological processes
Example Sentences
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which gives it a tangy taste.
Many cleaning products include acids that help dissolve mineral deposits.
Strong acid spills should be handled with extreme caution to prevent injury.
Scientists often use hydrochloric acid in laboratory experiments to investigate chemical reactions.
Vinegar, which contains acetic acid, is a common household item for both cooking and cleaning.
Acids and bases neutralize each other, resulting in the formation of salt and water.
In industrial processes, acids such as sulfuric acid play a key role in manufacturing products ranging from fertilizers to batteries, highlighting their pivotal role in modern economies.
Some acids occur naturally in our bodies, such as amino acids, which are vital for protein synthesis and maintaining healthy bodily functions.
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adjective
UKˈæ.sɪdUSˈæ.sɪd
having the properties of an acid; sharply sour, or describing a remark or tone that is critical or biting
Example Sentences
She made an acid comment about his lateness, which stung far more than a simple reprimand would have.
The soup had an acid flavor due to the liberal use of vinegar.
His acid wit often left people laughing nervously, unsure whether they were being entertained or subtly insulted.
After simmering, the sauce took on an acid tang from the tomatoes and lemon juice.
Her tone was calm but unmistakably acid, revealing her deep frustration with the situation.
He wrote an acid critique of the film, highlighting every plot hole in a scathing review.
When combined with other strong flavors, an acid element like citrus can brighten the taste of a dish, balancing the richness of meats, cheeses, or fats and elevating the overall complexity.
Despite the acid remarks made during the debate, both participants maintained a polite demeanor, offering the audience a lively exchange of differing viewpoints without descending into outright hostility.
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How to Use
A substance characterized by a sour taste and the ability to donate protons or accept electrons.The word “acid” typically refers to a category of chemical substances known for their low pH values, sour taste, and ability to react with bases to form salts and water. Common examples include hydrochloric acid in the stomach, acetic acid in vinegar, and citric acid in citrus fruits. In chemical terms, acids are proton donors (in the Brønsted–Lowry definition) or electron-pair acceptors (in the Lewis definition). They can be strong or weak depending on their ionization levels in water.Aside from taste and reactivity, acids have many industrial, medical, and culinary uses. For instance, sulfuric acid is widely used in manufacturing, while lactic acid is a byproduct of muscle metabolism. Acids can also corrode metals, so they must be handled carefully, following safety guidelines like wearing gloves, goggles, or protective clothing. In everyday life, words like “acidic” or “acidity” might describe the flavor profile of foods (e.g., a tangy note in a sauce) or the chemical environment of a solution (e.g., measuring the pH of soil). Recognizing an acid's chemical properties helps us utilize it effectively in contexts ranging from cooking to scientific experimentation. Though the word can also be used metaphorically in language (as in an “acid remark”), its primary meaning is rooted in chemistry, where it has a precise and measurable definition.
Alternatives
When searching for synonyms or related terms, context matters. If you want to reference acidity in a general sense, words like “sour,” “tart,” or “pungent” can capture flavor qualities in casual settings—like describing food or drink. More formally, “corrosive” can apply if highlighting an acid’s ability to wear away metals or other materials, especially in industrial or chemical contexts.If you’re emphasizing the scientific underpinnings, you might speak of a “proton donor” (Brønsted–Lowry) or “electron-pair acceptor” (Lewis), though these phrases are strictly technical. “Astringent” might also appear in everyday or culinary language to denote a similarly sharp, biting sensation—though it’s not identical to being acidic, it’s sometimes used to describe certain mouthfeels. Each alternative carries its own nuance, so consider whether you’re focusing on taste, reactivity, or scientific properties when selecting the term.
Writing
When writing about acids, be specific about their function, concentration, and environment. In a scientific report, you might discuss how an acid’s pH affects chemical reactions or detail the protocols for safe handling of strong acids like nitric or sulfuric acid. In culinary or general-interest writing, you might focus on the flavor aspect, such as how citric acid influences the tanginess of a dish.If your piece leans toward education or public information, offering examples helps readers understand the concept. For instance, describing how antacids neutralize stomach acid can illustrate the interplay between acids and bases in a medically relevant way. You might also include pH charts, real-world applications, or anecdotal references—like how marinade acids help tenderize meat—making the discussion more relatable. Ultimately, clarity and accuracy ensure your readers walk away with a functional understanding of what acids are and why they matter in daily life, industry, or science.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, calling something “acidic” generally means it tastes sour or has a sharp bite—think lemons or sour candies. People might remark, “That sauce is too acidic,” referring to its tangy impact on the palate. Or you might hear someone say they have an “acid stomach” when describing discomfort related to heartburn or indigestion. These informal usages draw on the idea that acids are typically sour or potentially irritating.If you’re chatting about cleaning supplies, you might note that certain products use mild acids—like vinegar or citric acid—to tackle limescale or rust. Though everyday talk rarely involves deep chemical definitions, understanding that acids can corrode certain materials (like metal) can be handy for household maintenance. Avoid mixing strong chemicals, including bleach (a base) and acid-based cleaners, because their reaction can produce harmful fumes. In short, in informal settings, “acid” might come up around tangy flavors, stomach issues, or basic household uses, with conversation focusing on practical or sensory effects rather than complex chemistry.
Etymology
The word “acid” stems from the Latin “acidus,” meaning “sour” or “tart,” reflecting the taste of many acidic substances. From there, it passed through Old French as “acide,” ultimately arriving in English with its modern spelling around the 17th century. Early in scientific history, people recognized “acids” by their sharp, sour taste, as well as their tendency to corrode metals and neutralize alkalis.Over time, experiments led to more systematic chemical definitions. Notably, chemists Antoine Lavoisier, Justus von Liebig, and later Johannes Brønsted and Thomas Lowry each contributed theories to refine our understanding of what makes a substance acidic. While taste and corrosive properties provided an initial basis for identification, modern scientific frameworks focus on the proton-donating or electron-accepting characteristics of acids. This evolution in understanding and terminology underscores how science has shifted from direct sensory observation toward more nuanced, molecular-level explanations.
