maleic acid

[ muh-lee-ik ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, crystalline, water-soluble solid, C 4 H 4 O 4 , isomeric with fumaric acid, having an astringent, repulsive taste and faint acidulous odor: used in the manufacture of synthetic resins, the dyeing and finishing of textiles, and as a preservative for fats and oils.

maleic acid

/ məˈleɪɪk /

noun

1. a colourless soluble crystalline substance used to synthesize other compounds. Formula: HOOCCH:CHCOOH Systematic namecis-butanedioic acid

maleic acid

/ mə-lē′ĭk /

1. A colorless crystalline acid used in textile processing and as an oil and fat preservative. Maleic acid is a geometric isomer of fumaric acid, having two carboxyl groups (COOH) on the same side of an ethylene chain. Chemical formula: C 4 H 4 O 4 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of maleic acid¹

1870–75; < French maléique, alteration of malique malic

Word History and Origins

Origin of maleic acid¹

C19: from French maléique, altered form of malique; see malic acid