pyruvic acid
noun Chemistry, Biochemistry.
a water-soluble liquid, C3H4O3, important in many metabolic and fermentative processes, having an odor resembling that of acetic acid, prepared by the dehydration of tartaric acid: used chiefly in biochemical research.
Also called
acetylformic acid,
pyroracemic acid.
Origin of pyruvic acid
First recorded in 1830–40
Words nearby pyruvic acid
British Dictionary definitions for pyruvic acid
pyruvic acid
/ (paɪˈruːvɪk) /
noun
a colourless pleasant-smelling liquid formed as an intermediate in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, helping to release energy to the body; 2-oxopropanoic acid. Formula: CH 3 COCOOH
Word Origin for pyruvic acid
C19:
pyruvic from
pyro- + Latin
ūva grape
Medical definitions for pyruvic acid
pyruvic acid
[ pī-rōō′vĭk, pĭ- ]
n.
A colorless organic liquid formed as a fundamental intermediate in protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
Scientific definitions for pyruvic acid
pyruvic acid
[ pī-rōō′vĭk ]
A colorless organic liquid formed by the breakdown of carbohydrates and sugars during cell metabolism. It is the final product of glycolysis and is converted into acetyl coenzyme A, which is required for the Krebs cycle. It is also used in the body to synthesize the amino acid alanine. Chemical formula: C3H4O3.