citric acid

noun

a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, C6H8O7⋅H2O, a tribasic acid having a strong acidic taste, an intermediate in the metabolism of carbohydrates occurring in many fruits, especially limes and lemons, obtained chiefly by fermentation of crude sugar or corn sugar: used chiefly in the flavoring of beverages, confections, and pharmaceuticals.

Origin of citric acid

First recorded in 1805–15

Words Nearby citric acid

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use citric acid in a sentence

So on top of running sanitizing cycles, you should do a regular deep clean with citric acid.
The one ingredient you need to clean the dishwasher and four other gross household items | Sandra Gutierrez G. | November 5, 2020 | Popular-Science
Lemons and other citrus fruits contain citric acid, and this natural compound also happens to be a great cleaning agent.
The one ingredient you need to clean the dishwasher and four other gross household items | Sandra Gutierrez G. | November 5, 2020 | Popular-Science
Coagulation is notably delayed in hemophilia and icterus and after administration of citric acid.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell Todd
Small, imperfect, and bruised fruit goes to the citric acid factory near the packing-houses.
Stories of California | Ella M. Sexton
citric acid is precipitated in the presence of a large excess of hot lime water.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants | Edwin M. Bruce

Two ounces citric acid, one ounce tartaric acid, one half ounce epsom salts, five pounds white sugar.
My Pet Recipes, Tried and True | Various
Dissolve the citric acid in hot water, add the sugar, and lastly the lemon and almonds.
Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians | William K. David

British Dictionary definitions for citric acid

citric acid

noun

a water-soluble weak tribasic acid found in many fruits, esp citrus fruits, and used in pharmaceuticals and as a flavouring (E330). It is extracted from citrus fruits or made by fermenting molasses and is an intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism. Formula: CH 2 (COOH)C(OH)(COOH)CH 2 COOH

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for citric acid

citric acid

[ sĭt′rĭk ]

A white, odorless acid that has a sour taste and occurs widely in plants, especially in citrus fruit, and is formed during the Krebs cycle. It is used in medicine and as a flavoring. Ions of citric acid are a by-product of the metabolism of carbohydrates during the Krebs cycle.Chemical formula: C6H8O7.

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