polybasic

[pol-ee-bey-sik]

adjective

Chemistry.

1. (of an acid) having two or more atoms of replaceable hydrogen.

polybasic

/ ˌpɒlɪˈbeɪsɪk /

adjective

1. (of an acid) having two or more replaceable hydrogen atoms per molecule

polybasic

1. Of or relating to an acid that has two or more hydrogen atoms per molecule that can be replaced by basic atoms or radicals.

Other Word Forms

• polybasicity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of polybasic¹

First recorded in 1835–45; poly- + basic

Example Sentences

The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein cleaves more readily than equivalent proteins in other coronaviruses, because it has evolved something called a polybasic cleavage site, which Drosten likens to the perforations on a notepad that make it easier to rip off a page.

Read more on Science Magazine

Interestingly, a polybasic motif proximal to H8 in many GPCRs has been shown to facilitate G-protein pre-coupling and influence the rate of receptor activation.

Read more on Nature

Indeed, it seems as if he almost anticipated the later doctrines of types and polybasic acids, and in none of his work did he show more discriminating observation or acute reasoning.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

In the case of the polybasic acids, all the hydrogen atoms can be replaced in this way, and the compounds formed are known as “neutral esters.”

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Further and stronger support was given when J. Liebig promoted his doctrine of polybasic acids.

Read more on Project Gutenberg