Since protons are much too reactive to exist by themselves, they always attach themselves to something else. Water can receive the additional protons given off by an acid. This forms the hydronium ion. This causes the characteristic properties of an acid. No discussion of acids is complete without the discussing of bases.
Bases are any compound that release the hydroxide ion, usually in an aqueous solution.
Bases have a whole set of properties dependent on the hydroxide ion. They have both a bitter taste and a slippery feel. One good example is sodium hydroxide, also known as Iye. When a base is mixed with an acid in aqueous solution, the result is a salt in water. Whether a solution can be acidic or basic, it is dependent which ion is greater in concentration.