What is "dibasic"

Dibasic \Di*ba"sic\, a. [Pref. di- + basic.] (Chem.) Having two acid hydrogen atoms capable of replacement by basic atoms or radicals, in forming salts; bibasic; -- said of acids, as oxalic or sulphuric acids. Cf. Diacid, Bibasic.

Note: In the case of certain acids dibasic and divalent are not synonymous; as, tartaric acid is tetravalent and dibasic, lactic acid is divalent but monobasic.

a. 1 (context chemistry English) (''of an acid'') containing two replaceable hydrogen atoms 2 (context chemistry English) (''of a salt'') having two atoms of a univalent metal

Dibasic is an adjective meaning:

1. containing two hydrogen atoms that can be replaced by metal ions, or
2. "of or relating to salts or acids forming salts with two atoms of a univalent metal."

Dibasic calcium phosphate is referred to as dicalcium phosphate. A dibasic acid is an acid that has two hydrogen ions to donate to a base in an acid-base reaction.