Defn: Of or pertaining to an alkali or to alkalies; having the properties of an alkali. Alkaline earths, certain substances, as lime, baryta, strontia, and magnesia, possessing some of the qualities of alkalies. — Alkaline metals, potassium, sodium, cæsium, lithium, rubidium. — Alkaline reaction, a reaction indicating alkalinity, as by the action on limits, turmeric, etc.
ALKALINITY
Al`ka*lin"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality which constitutes an alkali; alkaline property.
Thomson.
ALKALIOUS
Al*ka"li*ous, a.
Defn: Alkaline. [Obs.]
ALKALI SOIL
Alkali soil.
Defn: Any one of various soils found in arid and semiarid regions, containing an unusual amount of soluble mineral salts which effloresce in the form of a powder or crust (usually white) in dry weather following rains or irrigation. The basis of these salts is mainly soda with a smaller amount of potash, and usually a little lime and magnesia. Two main classes of alkali are commonly distinguished: black alkali, which may be any alkaline carbonate, but which practically consists of sodium carbonate (sal soda), which is highly corrosive and destructive to vegetation; and white alkali, characterized by the presence of sodium sulphate (Glauber's salt), which is less injurious to vegetation. Black alkali is so called because water containing it dissolves humus, forming a dark-colored solution which, when it collects in puddles and evaporates, produces characteristic black spots.
ALKALI WASTE
Alkali waste.
Defn: Waste material from the manufacture of alkali; specif., soda waste.
ALKALIZATE
Al"ka*li*zate, a.