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. See diacidic
   (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

Acids yielding two hydrogen ions in solution are called dibasic acids.

From Project Gutenberg

COOH, is likewise a dibasic acid, known as amido-pyrotartaric acid.

From Project Gutenberg