homogentisic acid

[ hoh-muh-jen-tis-ik, -tiz-, hoh- ]
/ ˈhoʊ mə dʒɛnˈtɪs ɪk, -ˈtɪz-, ˌhoʊ- /

noun

an intermediate compound in the metabolism of tyrosine and of phenylalanine, found in excess in the blood and urine of persons affected with alkaptonuria.
Also called alkapton.

Origin of homogentisic acid

First recorded in 1890–95; homo- + gentisic acid

Words nearby homogentisic acid

Medical definitions for homogentisic acid

homogentisic acid
[ hō′mō-jĕn-tĭzĭk ]

n.

An intermediate of the metabolic breakdown of tyrosine and phenylalanine; it occurs in the urine in cases of alkaptonuria. alkapton