'alkaline-resistant' is a compound word formed from 'alkaline' and 'resistant.' 'Alkaline' comes from 'alkali,' which originates from Arabic 'al-qaly' meaning 'ashes of saltwort,' and 'resistant' comes from Latin 'resistere,' meaning 'to withstand or oppose.'

'alkali' entered English via Medieval Latin from Arabic, and 'resistant' developed from Latin 'resistere' through Old French 'resistant.' The compound 'alkaline-resistant' is a modern English formation used in scientific and technical contexts.

Initially, 'alkaline-resistant' specifically described materials that could withstand alkaline substances, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.