hyaluronic acid

American  

[hahy-uh-loo-ron-ik, hahy-] / ˈhaɪ ə lʊˈrɒn ɪk, ˌhaɪ- /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a mucopolysaccharide serving as a viscous medium in the tissues of the body and as a lubricant in joints.

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hyaluronic acid British  

/ ˌhaɪəlʊˈrɒnɪk /

noun

1. a viscous polysaccharide with important lubricating properties, present, for example, in the synovial fluid in joints

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Other Word Forms

• hyaluronic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of hyaluronic acid

1930–35; hyal(oid) (in reference to the vitreous humor, from which it was first isolated) + uronic acid ( def. )

Example Sentences

Hyaluronic acid causes the needles to swell about tenfold after entering the skin, which allows them to absorb interstitial fluid containing biomolecules and immune cells from the skin.

From Science Daily • May 9, 2024

Hyaluronic acid, for example, is a valuable but nonessential ingredient to look out for.

From National Geographic • Nov. 28, 2023

Hyaluronic acid, similar to a substance in the joints, may work for some people, but American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons guidelines do not advise it for routine use in OA.

From Washington Post • Oct. 10, 2022

Hyaluronic acid is already inside your knee and helps to lubricate and cushion the joint.

From Forbes • May 18, 2015

Hyaluronic acid exists naturally in the fluids that bathe the joints, where it acts like a shock absorber and lubricant.

From Reuters • Jun. 11, 2012