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base

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base

In chemistry, a substance that accepts hydrogen ions, or protons. A base reacts with an acid, neutralizing it to form a salt: acid + base → salt + water. Metal oxides and metal hydroxides are bases; examples include copper oxide and sodium hydroxide. Bases can contain negative ions such as the hydroxide ion (OH−), which is the strongest base, or be molecules such as ammonia (NH3). Ammonia is a weak base, as only some of its molecules accept protons.

OH− + H+(aq) → H2O(l)

NH3 + H2O → NH4+ + OH−

Bases that dissolve in water are called alkalis.

Inorganic bases are usually oxides or hydroxides of metals, which react with dilute acids to form a salt and water. Many carbonates also react with dilute acids, additionally giving off carbon dioxide.



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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
Our Soldiers and Lowest Classes of Workmen are Triangles with two equal sides, each about eleven inches long, and a base or third side so short (often not exceeding half an inch) that they form at their vertices a very sharp and formidable angle.
Flatland by Abbott, Edwin View in context
This brings us to another point, more difficult to accept and understand than any other requiring belief in a base not usually accepted, or indeed entered on--whether such abnormal growths could have ever changed in their nature.
The Lair of the White Worm by Stoker, Bram View in context
His cranial cavity is continuous with the first neck-vertebra; and in that vertebra the bottom of the spinal canal will measure ten inches across, being eight in height, and of a triangular figure with the base downwards.
Moby Dick LXVIII-CXXXIV by Melville, Herman View in context
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