antacid
|an-tac-id|
/ˌæntˈæsɪd/
neutralize acid
Etymology
'antacid' originates from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti') meaning 'against' and the word 'acid' from Latin 'acidus', meaning 'sour' or 'acid'.
'antacid' was formed in English by combining 'anti-' + 'acid' (first attested in the late 19th to early 20th century), initially used as an adjective 'acting against acid' and later as a noun for substances or medicines that neutralize acid.
Initially it meant 'acting against acid'; over time it came to be used specifically for medicines or substances that neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a medicine or substance that neutralizes stomach acid to relieve indigestion, heartburn, or acid reflux.
I took an antacid after dinner to ease my heartburn.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
any substance used to neutralize acidity in a solution or mixture (general/chemical usage).
They added an antacid to the solution to bring the pH closer to neutral.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
acting to neutralize acid; having the properties of an antacid.
The lozenge has antacid properties that relieve throat irritation caused by acid reflux.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/20 07:37