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

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
[ sĭtrĭk ]

n.

A colorless translucent crystalline acid principally derived by fermentation of carbohydrates; an intermediate in metabolism.

Scientific definitions for citric acid

citric acid
[ sĭtrĭk ]

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.