polybasic

American  

[pol-ee-bey-sik] / ˌpɒl iˈbeɪ sɪk /

adjective

Chemistry.

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

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polybasic British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈbeɪsɪk /

adjective

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

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polybasic Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-bā′sĭk /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• polybasicity noun

Etymology

Origin of polybasic

First recorded in 1835–45; poly- + basic

Example Sentences

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.

From Nature • Feb. 13, 2013

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.

From Scientific Culture, and Other Essays Second Edition; with Additions by Cooke, Josiah Parsons

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

From The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia Volume 1 of 28 by 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.”

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 7 "Equation" to "Ethics" by Various