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
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.
Acidity, or sourness, can create the sensation of cutting through fat while balancing sweet and salty flavors.
From Washington Post • Jun. 25, 2020
Because, simply put, acid is the agent of mouths watering: Acidity is like a golden ticket to refreshment.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 14, 2018
Acidity is achieved in three ways: lemon juice, pomegranate molasses and yogurt, all of which contribute tartness.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 9, 2016
Acidity, like saltiness, also leads to an increase in salivation—both flavors literally make food more mouth-watering.
From Slate • Sep. 11, 2012
Acidity inhibits the functions of the cerebral cortex, but stimulates those of the medulla.
From Origin and Nature of Emotions by Crile, George W. (Washington)
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.
