alpha-ketoglutaric acid

[ al-fuh-kee-toh-gloo-tar-ik, al-fuh-kee- ]
/ ˈæl fəˈki toʊ gluˈtær ɪk, ˌæl fəˌki- /

noun Biochemistry.

a dibasic keto acid, C5H6O5, that occurs as an intermediate in the Krebs' cycle and in protein metabolism.

Origin of alpha-ketoglutaric acid

1905–10; keto- + glutaric ( acid), probably blend of gluten (as in glutamic acid) and pyrotartaric acid; see pyro-, tartaric