'alkalify' originates from the Arabic word 'al-qalī', meaning 'ashes of the saltwort', combined with the suffix '-fy' meaning 'to make'.

'al-qalī' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'alkali', and eventually became the modern English word 'alkalify'.

Initially, it meant 'to make ashes of the saltwort', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make or become alkaline'.