malic acid


noun Chemistry.

a colorless, crystalline, water-soluble solid, C4H6O5, occurring in apples and other fruits and as an intermediate in animal metabolism.

Origin of malic acid

First recorded in 1790–1800

British Dictionary definitions for malic acid

malic acid
/ (ˈmælɪk, ˈmeɪ-) /

noun

a colourless crystalline compound occurring in apples and other fruits. Formula: HOOCCH 2 CH(OH)COOH

Word Origin for malic acid

C18 malic, via French malique from Latin mālum apple

Medical definitions for malic acid

malic acid
[ mălĭk, mālĭk ]

n.

A colorless crystalline intermediate in the Krebs cycle that occurs naturally in a variety of unripe fruit and is used as a flavoring and in the aging of wine.

Scientific definitions for malic acid

malic acid
[ mălĭk, mālĭk ]

A colorless, crystalline compound that occurs naturally in a wide variety of unripe fruits, including apples, cherries, and tomatoes, and is an intermediate product of the Krebs cycle. It is used as a flavoring and in the aging of wine. Also called malate. Chemical formula: C4H6O5.