ACIDIC

Definition of ACIDIC

ACIDIC Adjective

Acidic is an adjective that primarily refers to something having a sour or tart taste, often resulting from the presence of acids, particularly in foods or beverages. It can be understood in various contexts:

Sourness and Tartness: As an adjective, acidic describes foods, beverages, or substances that have a pronounced sour taste, characterized by acidity and tanginess on the palate.

Citrusy or Vinegary Notes: Acidic flavors may be reminiscent of citrus fruits or vinegar, with bright, tangy undertones that stimulate the taste buds.

Presence of Acids: Acidic substances contain acids, such as citric acid, acetic acid, or lactic acid, which contribute to their tartness and acidity.

pH Level: Acidic solutions have a pH level below 7, indicating a higher concentration of hydrogen ions and an acidic nature.

Ingredients and Preparations: Acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice, vinegar, or fermented foods, are used in cooking to add brightness, balance flavors, and tenderize meats.

Marinades and Dressings: Acidic marinades and dressings enhance the flavor and texture of foods, imparting acidity and tanginess while adding moisture and tenderizing proteins.

Refreshing Beverages: Acidic beverages, such as citrus juices, sour beers, or sparkling sodas, offer a refreshing and thirst-quenching experience with their tangy, effervescent qualities.

Accompaniments to Foods: Acidic condiments, like pickles, chutneys, or hot sauces, complement savory dishes by providing acidity, contrast, and depth of flavor.

In summary, acidic is an adjective that describes something with a sour or tart taste, often resulting from the presence of acids, with applications in taste and flavor, chemical composition, culinary usage, and beverage pairings, contributing to the sensory experience and culinary creativity.

Examples of ACIDIC in a sentence

  • The acidic nature of the solution made it unsuitable for consumption.
  • She noticed the acidic taste of the tomato sauce due to the addition of lemon juice.
  • The soil in the garden was too acidic for growing certain plants.
  • His stomach felt unsettled after drinking the acidic orange juice on an empty stomach.
  • The acidic odor emanating from the chemical spill caused concern among the workers.
  • The doctor advised against consuming too many acidic foods to prevent acid reflux.
  • The scientist conducted experiments to determine the pH level of the acidic solution.
  • The acidic conditions in the lake were harmful to aquatic life.

Origin of ACIDIC 

The word acidic has its etymology rooted in Latin and reflects its association with acids or sour tastes. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Latin Origin: The term acidic is derived from the Latin word acidus, which means sour or acidic. In Latin, acidus was used to describe substances with a sharp, sour taste, such as vinegar or citrus fruits.
  • Adoption into English: The word acidic entered the English language from Latin, retaining its original meaning of having the properties of an acid or being sour in taste.
  • Scientific Usage: In scientific contexts, acidic specifically refers to substances that have a pH value below 7, indicating a higher concentration of hydrogen ions. Acids typically react with metals to form salts and with bases to form water and salts, exhibiting characteristic properties such as sour taste, ability to turn litmus paper red, and ability to neutralize bases.
  • Metaphorical Usage: Beyond its scientific meaning, acidic is also used metaphorically to describe qualities or behaviors that resemble the properties of acids. For example, acidic criticism refers to sharp, cutting remarks, while an acidic personality describes someone who is sharp-tongued or bitter.

Overall, the etymology of acidic highlights its origins in Latin and its association with sour tastes and acidic properties. In contemporary usage, it is employed both in scientific contexts to describe chemical characteristics and in metaphorical contexts to convey sharpness or bitterness.

Synonyms

  • Sour
  • Tart
  • Acidulous
  • Acrid
  • Bitter
  • Vinegary
  • Pungent
  • Tangy

Antonyms

  • Alkaline
  • Basic
  • Neutral
  • Sweet
  • Mild
  • Gentle
  • Subtle
  • Non-Acidic

Related

  • Acidity
  • Acidification
  • Acidosis
  • pH
  • Acidification
  • Sourness
  • Vinegar
  • Corrosive

🌐 🇬🇧 ACIDIC in other languages

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