carbonic acid

noun

1. the acid, H 2 CO 3 , formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water, known in the form of its salts and esters, the carbonates.

carbonic acid

noun

1. a weak acid formed when carbon dioxide combines with water: obtained only in aqueous solutions, never in the pure state. Formula: H 2 CO 3

carbonic acid

1. A weak, unstable acid present in solutions of carbon dioxide in water. It gives carbonated beverages their sharp taste. Chemical formula: H ₂ CO ₃ .

Word History and Origins

Origin of carbonic acid¹

First recorded in 1785–95