ascorbic acid

American  

[uh-skawr-bik as-id] / əˈskɔr bɪk ˈæs ɪd /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble vitamin, C 6 H 8 O 6 , occurring naturally in citrus fruits, green vegetables, etc., and often produced synthetically, essential for normal metabolism: used in the prevention and treatment of scurvy, and in wound-healing and tissue repair.

---

ascorbic acid British  

/ əˈskɔːbɪk /

noun

1. Also called: vitamin C.  a white crystalline vitamin present in plants, esp citrus fruits, tomatoes, and green vegetables. A deficiency in the diet of man leads to scurvy. Formula: C 6 H 8 O 6

---

ascorbic acid Scientific  

/ ə-skôr′bĭk /

1. See vitamin C

---

ascorbic acid Cultural  

1. A form of vitamin C.

---

Etymology

Origin of ascorbic acid

First recorded in 1930–35; a- ⁶ + scorb(ut)ic ( def. )

Example Sentences

“Reindeer eyes are full of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, and vitamin C is just terrific for repairing damaged cells,” he said.

From Seattle Times

A specific lot labeled L200183 tested high in impurity and low in the inactive ingredient ascorbic acid, commonly called Vitamin C.

From Washington Times

Scurvy, the depletion of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, had always been a problem on long voyages and had contributed to Captain Scott’s death en route from the South Pole.

From Literature

A: We’ve lost the ability to produce vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, and liking acidic foods might be a way for us and other primate species to be reminded to ingest it.

From Science Magazine

If you replace the tea with orange juice, the ascorbic acid will double your absorption of iron.

From Scientific American