acidulate

[uh-sij-uh-leyt]

verb (used with object)

acidulated, acidulating 

1. to make somewhat acid.

2. to sour; embitter.

acidulate

/ əˈsɪdjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to make slightly acid or sour

Other Word Forms

• acidulation noun
• semiacidulated adjective
• superacidulated adjective
• unacidulated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acidulate¹

First recorded in 1725–35; acidul(ous) + -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of acidulate¹

C18: _acidulous + _-ate ¹

Example Sentences

Properly acidulated flavors don’t taste artificial; they just taste as if that flavor, usually so subtle, put on some glitter before it came onstage.

From Seattle Times

The sweet, usually acidulated fruit complements rather than competes with the mild flavor of the meat, while cutting through its rich fattiness.

From New York Times

Thanks to Arnold’s book and blogging, the technique has been widely adopted; if you see a drink that includes “corrected,” “improved” or “acidulated” orange, it’s likely gotten the treatment.

From Washington Post

The drink also includes acidulated orange juice, a smoked paprika ice containing honey and ancho chile liqueur, and tequila.

From Washington Post

The instrument was “composed of alternate tubs of oxygen and hydrogen through each of which passes platina foil so as to dip into separate vessels of water acidulated with sulphuric acid.”

From Scientific American

Related Words

• aggravate 
• annoy 
• disaffect 
• disillusion 
• exacerbate 
• exasperate 
• irritate 
• sour