dibasic

[ dahy-bey-sik ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. containing two replaceable or ionizable hydrogen atoms:

   dibasic acid.

2. having two univalent, basic atoms, as dibasic sodium phosphate, Na 2 HPO 4 .

dibasic

/ ˌdaɪbeɪˈsɪsɪtɪ; daɪˈbeɪsɪk /

adjective

1. (of an acid, such as sulphuric acid, H 2 SO 4 ) containing two acidic hydrogen atoms Compare diacidic
2. (of a salt) derived by replacing two acidic hydrogen atoms

   dibasic sodium phosphate, Na2HPO4

dibasic

/ dī-bā′sĭk /

1. Relating to an acid that contains two hydrogen atoms that can be replaced by metal ions. Sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) is a dibasic acid. The hydrogens can be replaced by sodium and hydrogen to form sodium hydrogen sulfate (NaHSO 4 ) or by two sodium atoms to form sodium sulfate (Na 2 SO 4 ).
2. Relating to a compound that contains two basic monovalent groups or atoms.

Derived Forms

• dibasicity, noun

Other Words From

• di·ba·sic·i·ty [dahy-bey-, sis, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dibasic¹

First recorded in 1865–70; di- ¹ + basic

Example Sentences

According to a fact sheet on the FDA's website for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the vaccine contains only mRNA, lipids, potassium chloride, monobasic potassium phosphate, sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate and sucrose — none of which are ferromagnetic.

From Salon

Less-toxic paint strippers have been on the market for years—California authorities recommend ones with benzyl alcohol, soy, or dibasic esters—but they represent the minority of products.

From Slate

Dibasic, dī-bā′sik, adj. having two bases: of acids, with two atoms of hydrogen replaceable by a base or bases.

From Project Gutenberg

Researchers at the University of Illinois and at Manhattan's Sydenham Hospital, testing the use of urea and dibasic ammonium phosphate to kill bacteria associated with tooth decay, had reported promising results.

From Time Magazine Archive

Nylon is technically described as "synthetic fibre-forming polymeric amides having a protein-like structure, produced by reacting diamines and dibasic carboxylic acids."

From Time Magazine Archive