An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

A substance that dissolves in water to give hydroxide ions. A generic name for → bases.

M.E. alkaly, from M.fr. alcali, M.L. alkali, from Ar. al-qily (القلی) "salt wort," a plant growing in alkaline soils.

Qalyâ, loan from Ar., as above.

A spectral line produced by an → alkali metal.

→ alkali; → line.

Any of the chemical elements belonging to group A of the → periodic table, which burn vigorously in air; i.e. → lithium, → sodium, → potassium, → rubidium, → cesium, and → francium. Alkali metals have a → valence of one and are softer and less dense than other metals.

→ alkali; → metal.

Having the properties of an → alkali; having a → pH greater than 7.0.

From alkal(i) + -ine a suffix denoting "of or pertaining to," "of the nature of," "like."

From qalyâ, → alkali, + -yi adj. suffix.

Any of the metallic chemical elements belonging to group 2 of the → periodic table; i.e. → beryllium, → magnesium, → calcium, → strontium, → barium, and → radium. They are not found free in the nature because they are highly reactive.

→ alkaline; → earth; → metal.

Felez, → metal; qalyâyi, → alkaline; xâki "of or pertaining to soil," from xâk, → soil.