Syrebasetall

Syrebasetall is a term that appears in some Norwegian-language scientific texts to refer to a quantitative measure of a system’s acidity–basicity. The word combines syre (acid), base (base), and tall (number or tally). There is no single universally accepted definition, and usage varies by field and author.

In chemistry and biochemistry, syrebasetall is often used to describe an index or descriptor that summarizes the relative strength and concentration of acidic and basic components in a solution. In practice, standard measures such as pH, pOH, pKa values, buffer capacity, and total titratable acidity are typically used to characterize acid-base properties; some Norwegian texts may refer to these collectively as a syrebasetall, though definitions are informal and not standardized.

In environmental science, the term may relate to acid-base accounting (ABA) or acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) of water, soils, or mine drainage, focusing on a system’s ability to neutralize acid inputs. In physiology, discussions of acid-base balance concern homeostatic regulation of blood and tissue pH, with metrics such as arterial pH, bicarbonate concentration, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide.

Because the term is not standardized, readers should consult discipline-specific glossaries or textbooks for precise definitions. See also acidity, basicity, pH, buffer solutions, acid-base titration, and acid-base accounting.