ph
1 Americanabbreviation
abbreviation
-
phase.
-
phone.
abbreviation
noun
abbreviation
abbreviation
symbol
-
A numerical measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, usually measured on a scale of 0 to 14. Neutral solutions (such as pure water) have a pH of 7, acidic solutions have a pH lower than 7, and alkaline solutions have a pH higher than 7. The pH of lemon juice is 2.4; that of household ammonia is 11.5. The normal pH for human blood is 7.4.
-
◆ The letters pH stand for potential of hydrogen, since pH is effectively a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions (that is, protons) in a substance. The pH scale was devised in 1923 by Danish biochemist Søren Peter Lauritz Sørensen (1868–1969).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Little Sofia�the ph was inserted later because it seems more exotic to the Italian eye�was turned over to a hired wet nurse.
From Time Magazine Archive
![]()
Such absurdities as having f, ff, gh and ph represent one single sound would be eliminated.
From Time Magazine Archive
![]()
Having been raised with a language that contains such combinations as "rhythm," "syzygy" and "gnathic," and in which gh, ph and ff can all sound alike, I don't see what the fuss is about.
From Time Magazine Archive
![]()
Mom talks to Carol, the receptionist explains something on the ph one, and Jason’s mother and Mrs. Frost discuss good restaurants that accommodate wheelchairs.
From "Rules" by Cynthia Lord
![]()
At the same time the pharynx, ph, and the wide anterior end of the oesophagus, oe, are cut open, exposing the glottis, gs, and vocal cords, vc.
From Development of the Digestive Canal of the American Alligator by Reese, C. M.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.