Dictionary

acidulate en · VERB

Pronunciation

• (US) audio
• /əˈsɪd͡ʒʊ.leɪt/ (General-American)

Etymology

Compare French aciduler. See acidulous. By surface analysis, acid + -ule + -ate.

Meanings

1. (transitive) To make slightly or moderately acid; to acidify.
2. (transitive) To make sour in a moderate degree; to sour somewhat.
   • The kernel of San Domingo cocoa was more acidulated than that of Venezuela and was not inferior in other respects, experience proving that the chocolate made of the two cocoas in combination had a more delicate flavour than that made from the cocoa of Venezuela alone. 1963, C.L.R. James, The Black Jacobins, 2nd Revised edition, Vintage Books, published 2023, →ISBN, page 46:
   • Twenty leeches were ordered to be applied round the nose every two days; frequent emollient fomentations; the local vapour bath; general bathing; stimulating pedilavia; a strict regimen; vegetables, milk, white meats; demulcent or acidulated drinks; avoidance of exposure to the sun or to cold air; flannel waistcoat and trousers. This treatment, being strictly observed for two months, caused all the inflammatory symptoms to disappear, […] 1827 May 1, “XXVI. Spreading Ulcer of the Nose.”, in James Copland, John Darwall, John Conolly, editors, The London Medical Repository and Review, volume XXVII, number 161 (New Series, volume IV, number XXIII), London: Printed for Thomas and John Underwood, 32 Fleet Street, →OCLC, page 465:
3. (transitive) To use an acidic catalyst, with the chemical change being emphasised over the importance of the change in pH. Used in the processing of biodiesel co-products.

Forms

Deriveds

unacidulated · superacidulated

Translations (3)

ca acidular (to make something slightly, or moderately acid) · pt acidular (to make something slightly, or moderately acid) · pt acidular (to use an acidic catalyst)