Tri*ba"sic (?), a. [Pref. tri- + basic.] (Chem.) Capable of neutralizing three molecules of a monacid base, or their equivalent; having three hydrogen atoms capable of replacement by basic elements on radicals; -- said of certain acids; thus, citric acid is a tribasic acid.

Tri*ba"sic (?), a. [Pref. tri- + basic.] (Chem.) Capable of neutralizing three molecules of a monacid base, or their equivalent; having three hydrogen atoms capable of replacement by basic elements on radicals; -- said of certain acids; thus, citric acid is a tribasic acid.

• (chemistry) (of an acid) containing three replaceable hydrogen atoms
  
• (chemistry) (of a salt) having three atoms of a univalent metal