ScienceJune 14, 2026
acidification
/əˌsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
Definition
The ongoing process by which the world's oceans become more acidic due to the absorption of excessive carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'acidus' (sour) and 'facere' (to make), combined with the suffix '-ation' to indicate a process. It entered English in the 19th century to describe the chemical transition of a substance toward a lower pH level.
In the news
In the article, the term is used to explain that even if we use technology to artificially cool the Earth's temperature, the underlying chemical problem of CO2-driven ocean damage will continue unabated.
Scientists could dim the Sun as a quick fix for the climate crisis. Here's why it could cause global chaos
Read the full article ↗BBC Sky at Night Magazine