verb
Other Word Forms
- acidifiable adjective
- acidification noun
- acidifier noun
- reacidification noun
- reacidify verb
- semiacidified adjective
Etymology
Origin of acidify
Explanation
To acidify something is to chemically turn it into an acid or make it more acidic. Farmers often acidify soil by adding fertilizer to it. When you acidify something, you increase its acid content or make it more sour. Too much carbon dioxide dissolving into oceans acidifies them, one of the many negative effects of global warming. When it comes to food, you're most likely to acidify a dish by adding citrus fruits, like lemons, which taste sour. The root word of the verb acidify is the Latin acidus, which means "sour or sharp."
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.
Sulfides also acidify the water, which can accelerate weathering.
From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2024
The first step uses electricity to temporarily acidify the water, which encourages the removal of CO2.
From Scientific American • Feb. 27, 2023
But other scientists say even those could acidify because their outflow will slow as atmospheric concentrations surge.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 19, 2022
It is a process in which beneficial bacteria, yeasts, or other microorganisms break down and acidify food, transforming and preserving it.
From Salon • Aug. 29, 2022
Extract with water, acidify with acetic acid, and estimate volumetrically as described under Sulphur.
From A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. by Beringer, Cornelius
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.
