homogentisic acid

[hoh-muh-jen-tis-ik, -tiz-, hoh-]

noun

an intermediate compound in the metabolism of tyrosine and of phenylalanine, found in excess in the blood and urine of persons affected with alkaptonuria.

Origin of homogentisic acid

First recorded in 1890–95; homo- + gentisic acid

Also called alkapton.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

homogentisic acid in Medicine

homogentisic acid

[hō′mō-jĕn-tĭz′ĭk]

n.

An intermediate of the metabolic breakdown of tyrosine and phenylalanine; it occurs in the urine in cases of alkaptonuria.alkapton