Acidity: meaning, definitions and examples

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acidity

[əˈsɪdɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

chemistry

The quality, state, or degree of being acid. Acidity is measured on the pH scale, with lower values indicating higher acidity.

Synonyms

acridity, sourness, tartness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
acidity	Used in a scientific or objective context to describe the level of acid in a substance, often in chemistry or gastronomy. The acidity of the lemon juice balanced the sweetness of the dessert The wine's acidity can impact its aging potential
sourness	Used to describe a distinct tangy or sharp taste, often in food, and usually in a casual or informal context. The sourness of the green apples was refreshing The yogurt had just the right amount of sourness to it
acridity	Used to convey a strong, unpleasant sharpness, often in the context of smell or taste, and has a negative connotation. The acridity of the smoke made it hard to breathe The acridity of the spoiled milk was immediately noticeable
tartness	Used to describe a pleasantly sharp or sour taste, often in culinary contexts where the sharpness is desired. The tartness of the cranberries balanced the sweetness of the sauce She enjoyed the tartness of the lemonade on a hot day

Examples of usage

The acidity of the solution was too high for the experiment to proceed.
Vinegar is known for its acidity, which gives it a sour taste.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

culinary

The level of sourness or sharpness in food and drink, often considered a desirable flavor profile.

Synonyms

sharpness, sourness, tartness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
acidity	Often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe the pH level of a substance, or when referring to wine tasting. The acidity of the soil affects how well different plants can grow. This wine has a bright acidity that complements its fruity flavors.
sourness	Commonly used when referring to flavors in food, particularly when the flavor is predominantly unpleasant and tangy. The sourness of the expired milk was unmistakable. I love the sourness of Granny Smith apples.
tartness	Frequently used to describe a pleasant, tangy flavor in foods and beverages, often with a positive connotation. The tartness of the cranberry juice was refreshing. The pie had a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
sharpness	Typically used to describe the intensity of a flavor or sensation, which can be both positive and negative depending on context. The cheese has a sharpness that lingers on the palate. The sharpness of the lemon made my mouth pucker.

Examples of usage

The dish needed a touch of acidity to balance out the richness of the sauce.
A squeeze of lemon juice can add acidity to the cocktail.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

botany

The level of acid in soil, which can affect plant growth and health.

Synonyms

acridity, sourness, tartness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
acidity	Best used to describe the sharp or biting taste of food or drink, and also can refer to the level of acid in a chemical sense. The acidity of the lemonade made my lips pucker The soil's acidity affects plant growth
sourness	Refers specifically to the taste that is the opposite of sweet, often used in the context of food and drink. The sourness of the green apple made my mouth water The yogurt's sourness was just right
tartness	Similar to sourness, but often implies a pleasant sharpness in taste. Frequently used in culinary contexts. The tartness of the raspberry sauce balanced the sweetness of the dessert She prefers the tartness of Granny Smith apples
acridity	Typically used to describe a harsh, sharp, and potentially unpleasant taste or smell. Often has a negative connotation. The acridity of the smoke made it difficult to breathe There was an acridity in his tone that suggested he was angry

Examples of usage

The plants were struggling due to the high acidity of the soil.
Lime can be added to soil to reduce its acidity.

Interesting Facts

Chemistry

Acidity is measured on a scale called pH, where lower numbers indicate stronger acids.
Vinegar and lemon juice are common examples of substances with high acidity, often used in cooking and food preservation.
Some fruits, like oranges and grapefruits, contain citric acid, contributing to their sour taste.

Cuisine

Many chefs use acidity to balance flavors in dishes; a dash of vinegar can enhance the taste of a salad.
Fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt obtain their tangy flavor from the lactic acid produced during fermentation.
In coffee brewing, the acidity level can greatly affect the beverage's taste, with some beans providing a bright, fruity note.

Health

High acidity in the stomach can help digest food, but too much can lead to discomfort or heartburn.
Foods low in acidity, like bananas and melons, are often recommended for people with sensitive stomachs.
Some medical conditions, like acid reflux, occur when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing pain.

Environmental Science

Acidity levels in soil can affect plant growth, as some plants prefer more acidic conditions than others.
Acid rain, caused by pollutants in the atmosphere, can harm ecosystems and damage buildings.
Water sources like lakes can become acidic due to industrial runoff, impacting aquatic life.

Literature

In poetry and prose, authors may use images of acidity to describe emotions like bitterness or resentment.
Characters in literature can exhibit acidity through their sharp words or thoughts, highlighting conflict or tension.
The vivid descriptions of taste and smell in writing can evoke a strong sense of setting or mood relating to acidity.

Translations

Translations of the word "acidity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acidez

🇮🇳 अम्लता

🇩🇪 Säuregehalt

🇮🇩 keasaman

🇺🇦 кислотність

🇵🇱 kwasowość

🇯🇵 酸性 (さんせい)

🇫🇷 acidité

🇪🇸 acidez

🇹🇷 asitlik

🇰🇷 산도 (sando)

🇸🇦 حموضة

🇨🇿 kyselost

🇸🇰 kyslosť

🇨🇳 酸度 (suāndù)

🇸🇮 kislost

🇮🇸 sýra

🇰🇿 қышқылдық

🇬🇪 მჟავიანობა (mzhavianoba)

🇦🇿 turşuluq

🇲🇽 acidez

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,404, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10401 stray
10402 styled
10403 coffin
10404 acidity
10405 disparity
10406 contagious
10407 penis
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