acidity
UK: əˈsɪdəti | US: əˈsɪdəti
n. the quality or state of being acidic
n. (chemistry) the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, measured on the pH scale
n. (figurative) sharpness or harshness in tone, manner, or expression
The word "acidity" derives from the Latin acidus (meaning "sour" or "sharp"), which itself comes from acere ("to be sour"). The suffix -ity was added in Middle English via Old French -ité, transforming the adjective "acid" into a noun describing the state of being sour or chemically acidic. This reflects the word’s progression from a literal taste descriptor to a scientific term and later a metaphor for harshness.
The acidity of the lemon made her lips pucker.
Soil acidity affects plant growth significantly.
His comment carried an unexpected acidity that offended the audience.
Scientists measured the acidity of the lake to assess pollution levels.
The wine’s crisp acidity balanced its fruity sweetness perfectly.