base-resistant
|base-re-sist-ant|
/beɪs rɪˈzɪstənt/
not harmed by bases
Etymology
'base-resistant' is a compound formed from 'base' + 'resistant'. 'Base' (in the chemical sense) comes from Latin/Greek roots via French, and 'resistant' comes from French 'résistant' from Latin 'resistere' meaning 'to stand back or oppose'.
'resistant' developed from Latin 'resistere' (to stand back, oppose) → Old French/Middle French 'résister'/'résistant' → entered English as 'resist'/'resistant'. 'Base' (originally meaning low) comes from Old French 'bas' and from Greek 'basis' (a step, foundation); its chemical use (a substance that neutralizes an acid) was adopted later in modern chemistry.
The combined form initially meant simply 'able to withstand or oppose base substances (alkalis)'; over time it has been used both in technical materials contexts and figuratively to mean 'resistant to low or ignoble behavior'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being resistant to bases; (often used in technical contexts) the measured ability of a material to resist alkaline attack.
Tests showed the base resistance of the polymer was sufficient for use in alkaline environments.
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Adjective 1
not readily affected, corroded, or damaged by bases (alkaline substances); able to withstand alkaline or caustic chemicals.
The protective coating is base-resistant and can withstand exposure to strong alkalis used in industrial cleaning.
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Adjective 2
figurative: resistant to base (low, shameful, or ignoble) behavior or impulses; maintaining moral or social standards.
Throughout the debate she remained base-resistant, refusing to answer personal insults with similar attacks.
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Last updated: 2025/10/03 04:04