Basic lime – Definition & Meaning

Basic lime is a term that is commonly used in the field of chemistry. It refers to a type of lime that has a basic pH level. This means that it has a higher concentration of hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions. In this article, we will explore the definitions and meanings of basic lime, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.

Definitions

Basic lime is a type of lime that has a pH level greater than 7. It is also known as calcium hydroxide or slaked lime. It is produced by adding water to quicklime (calcium oxide). The resulting mixture undergoes a chemical reaction that produces calcium hydroxide. Basic lime is commonly used in various applications, such as in construction, agriculture, and water treatment.

Origin

The use of lime in various applications dates back to ancient times. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used lime in the construction of buildings, roads, and aqueducts. The production of basic lime, however, was not discovered until the 19th century. It was first produced by adding water to quicklime in a process known as slaking.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, basic lime is defined as “a white crystalline powder Ca(OH)2 obtained by adding water to quicklime and used especially in mortars and cements, in water purification, and in refining sugar”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines basic lime as “a compound of calcium, oxygen, and hydrogen, Ca(OH)2, used in the production of cement and mortar, and in water treatment”.

Associations

Basic lime is commonly associated with construction, agriculture, and water treatment. It is used in the production of cement, mortar, and plaster. It is also used in agriculture as a soil conditioner and in water treatment to remove impurities.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of basic lime include calcium hydroxide, slaked lime, hydrated lime, and pickling lime.

Antonyms

Antonyms of basic lime include acidic lime, sour lime, and unslaked lime.

The same root words

Some words that share the same root as basic lime include calcium, hydroxide, and slaking.

Example Sentences

1. The mason mixed basic lime with sand and water to create a strong mortar for the bricks.
2. The farmer added basic lime to the soil to neutralize its acidity and improve its fertility.
3. The water treatment plant used basic lime to remove impurities from the drinking water.
4. The baker used pickling lime to soak the corn kernels before making tortillas.
5. The chemist studied the properties of calcium hydroxide in his laboratory.