soda

UK: ˈsəʊdə | US: ˈsoʊdə

Definition

  1. n. 1. A carbonated soft drink.

  2. n. 2. Sodium carbonate or bicarbonate, used in cleaning or cooking.

  3. n. 3. (Historical) Sodium compounds extracted from ashes.

Structure
sod <ash or sodium compound>a <noun suffix>
Etymology

soda = sod<ash or sodium compound> + a<noun suffix>

  • sod<ash or sodium compound>: Derived from Medieval Latin "soda," referring to sodium-rich salts extracted from plant ashes.
  • a<noun suffix>: A common ending in Latin-derived nouns.

Etymology Origin:
The word "soda" traces back to Italian and Medieval Latin, where "soda" referred to sodium salts obtained by burning certain plants (e.g., barilla). Over time, it expanded to include sodium carbonate/bicarbonate and later carbonated beverages due to their use of these compounds. The shift from "ash-derived salts" to "fizzy drinks" reflects industrial and cultural adaptations.

Examples

  1. She ordered a lemon-lime soda at the diner.

  2. Baking soda is essential for many cookie recipes.

  3. Ancient glassmakers used soda ash to lower the melting point of silica.

  4. The chemist analyzed the soda residue left in the flask.

  5. He prefers sparkling water over sugary sodas.