(さん)

さん
noun
acid; acidic substance
technicalscience
1. acid; acidic substance
A chemical substance with a pH below 7, the opposite of an alkali (base). Used as a general noun and as a suffix in names of specific acids (硫酸(りゅうさん) sulfuric acid, 塩酸(えんさん) hydrochloric acid).
Lemons contain acid.
When acid and alkali are mixed, a neutralization reaction occurs.
The strong acid contained in gastric juice breaks down food.

Used both as a standalone noun in chemistry and food contexts, and as a suffix in the names of specific acids.

Compounds

Similar / related

  • アルカリ: alkali; base — direct chemical opposite
  • ()っぱい: sour (everyday adjective for taste)
  • 酸素(さんそ): oxygen — different word with the same kanji used for its chemistry meaning