citric acid
noun
a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, C6H8O7⋅H2O, a tribasic acid having a strong acidic taste, an intermediate in the metabolism of carbohydrates occurring in many fruits, especially limes and lemons, obtained chiefly by fermentation of crude sugar or corn sugar: used chiefly in the flavoring of beverages, confections, and pharmaceuticals.
Origin of citric acid
First recorded in 1805–15
Words nearby citric acid
citole,
citral,
citrate,
citreous,
citric,
citric acid,
citric acid cycle,
citriculture,
citrin,
citrine,
citron
Example sentences from the Web for citric acid
His citric-acid moods were forgotten, his harsh tempers put aside.
Satan Sanderson |Hallie Erminie Rives
British Dictionary definitions for citric acid
citric acid
noun
a water-soluble weak tribasic acid found in many fruits, esp citrus fruits, and used in pharmaceuticals and as a flavouring (E330). It is extracted from citrus fruits or made by fermenting molasses and is an intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism. Formula: CH 2 (COOH)C(OH)(COOH)CH 2 COOH
Medical definitions for citric acid
citric acid
[ sĭt′rĭk ]
n.
A colorless translucent crystalline acid principally derived by fermentation of carbohydrates; an intermediate in metabolism.
Scientific definitions for citric acid
citric acid
[ sĭt′rĭk ]
A white, odorless acid that has a sour taste and occurs widely in plants, especially in citrus fruit, and is formed during the Krebs cycle. It is used in medicine and as a flavoring. Ions of citric acid are a by-product of the metabolism of carbohydrates during the Krebs cycle.Chemical formula: C6H8O7.