acidic

[uh-sid-ik]

adjective

1. acid.

2. Geology.,  acid.

3. acid-forming.

4. containing acid-bearing pollutants.

   Acidic runoff is poisoning the nation's rivers.

acidic

/ əˈsɪdɪk /

adjective

1. another word for acid

2. (of an oxide) yielding an acid in aqueous solution

Other Word Forms

• nonacidic adjective
• semiacidic adjective
• unacidic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acidic¹

First recorded in 1875–80; acid + -ic

Example Sentences

On the off chance that an adversary pierces its tough exoskeleton, they risk being injured if not outright dissolved by the creature’s highly concentrated acidic blood.

From Salon

First, iron ore is dissolved into an acidic solution and then an electrical charge causes the iron to collect onto metal plates.

From BBC

Cornichons, on the other hand, are quite vinegar-y in flavor, so adding their brine to lemonade would make for a pungent and acidic drink.

From Salon

Because here’s the secret: with just a little time and a few pantry basics — fat, salt, a touch of sugar, something acidic — summer squash transforms.

From Salon

Today, he tells the BBC, only the introduced varieties thrive as the soil has become too acidic to support many native species.

From BBC

Related Words

• sour