'alkaline-capable' originates from the combination of 'alkaline,' which comes from the Arabic word 'al-qaly,' meaning 'ashes of the saltwort,' and 'capable,' from Latin 'capabilis,' meaning 'able to hold or contain.'

'alkaline' was derived from the Arabic 'al-qaly,' which transformed into the Middle English 'alkali,' and eventually became 'alkaline.' 'Capable' evolved from the Latin 'capabilis' through Old French 'capable.'

Initially, 'alkaline' referred to substances derived from ashes, but over time it evolved to describe substances with a pH greater than 7. 'Capable' has largely retained its meaning of 'having the ability to do something.'