acidification
Americannoun
Explanation
Acidification is what happens when water or soil becomes too acidic. In the ocean, acidification is mainly caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Scientists use the pH scale to measure the acidity of a substance. Drinking water, for example, is neutral, while sea water is normally a little basic, containing less acid. Ocean acidification, caused by pollution, shifts its place on that scale. More acid makes it harder for shellfish to grow shells and weakens coral reefs, among other effects. Soil acidification occurs when acidic chemicals are added to soil — this can happen as a result of acid rain and agricultural runoff.
Vocabulary lists containing acidification
Earth Science - Middle School
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Carbon Cycle
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Earth Science - High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Coccolithophores are the largest producers of CaCO3, but they are especially sensitive to ocean acidification because they lack specialized mechanisms to remove excess acidity from their cells.
From Science Daily • Feb. 8, 2026
And while a new treaty to protect international waters entered into force this month, the ocean faces threats from plastic pollution and rising temperatures to acidification.
From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026
An atmosphere slightly richer in CO2 doesn’t only produce ocean acidification, it also speeds plant growth and terrestrial greening.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 14, 2025
The warming of ocean temperatures caused by climate change, coupled with the acidification of the ocean due to nitrate runoff, have worsened toxic algal events, according to Warner.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2025
It’s the acidification of the oceans that’ll do us in.
From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson
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.
