a soluble salt obtained from the ashes of plants and consisting largely of potassium or sodium carbonate; broadly : a substance (such as a hydroxide or carbonate of an alkali metal) having marked basic properties
alkalies
noun(al-ka-li)
alkali metal
alkalies
noun(al-ka-li)
a soluble salt or a mixture of soluble salts present in some soils of arid regions in quantity detrimental to agriculture