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

/ kär-bŏn′ĭk /

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

Example Sentences

It turns out that the carbon dioxide gas reacts with seawater to make carbonic acid.

From The Daily Beast

Neither can there be any doubt that water and carbonic acid are the only substances from which these elements can be obtained.

From Project Gutenberg

Heavy and continued rain diminishes the quantity of carbonic acid, by dissolving and carrying it down into the soil.

From Project Gutenberg

And phosphate of lime is also taken up by water containing carbonic acid, or even common salt in solution.

From Project Gutenberg

In the flowers, both by day and night, there is a constant absorption of oxygen, and evolution of carbonic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

Each person exhales about fourteen cubic feet of carbonic acid gas in an hour.

From Project Gutenberg