noun
-
the quality or state of being acid
-
the amount of acid present in a solution, often expressed in terms of pH
-
another name for hyperacidity
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of acidity
From the Late Latin word aciditās, dating back to 1610–20. See acid, -ity
Explanation
Acidity is sourness, so you might turn down a bite of your friend's kumquat because its acidity is just too much for you. This noun is good for literal acidity, like a lemon's sour flavor or, in scientific terms, the chemical quality of a substance that reacts with a base to make salt. You can also use it in a figurative way when someone's tone is sharp and biting: "The acidity in my dad's voice told me we were really in trouble for eating all the tomatoes in his garden."
Vocabulary lists containing acidity
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.
Tasting notes: Crisp, energetic, and driven by vibrant acidity and subtle mineral notes, Benjamin said, with a refreshing saline finish.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026
"The use of herbs and natural seasonings as alternatives to salt or culinary techniques such as using the acidity of citrus fruits may help reduce discretionary salt use while maintaining food palatability," concluded Santos.
From Science Daily • Jun. 4, 2026
The acidity keeps the richness from becoming overwhelming, especially after a day in the fridge when everything has settled together.
From Salon • May 28, 2026
Acidity also disappeared much faster at 30°C. Meanwhile, mangoes kept at 12°C retained significantly more acidity, helping preserve flavor balance.
From Science Daily • May 23, 2026
He noticed Gibbon’s acidity, but not his tolerance, Othello’s love for the fair Desdemona, but not Iago’s perverted love of Othello.
From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison
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.
