malic acid

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, crystalline, water-soluble solid, C 4 H 6 O 5 , occurring in apples and other fruits and as an intermediate in animal metabolism.

malic acid

/ ˈmeɪ-, ˈmælɪk /

noun

1. a colourless crystalline compound occurring in apples and other fruits. Formula: HOOCCH 2 CH(OH)COOH

malic acid

1. A colorless, crystalline compound that occurs naturally in a wide variety of unripe fruits, including apples, cherries, and tomatoes, and is an intermediate product of the Krebs cycle. It is used as a flavoring and in the aging of wine. Also called malate. Chemical formula: C ₄ H ₆ O ₅ .

Word History and Origins

Origin of malic acid¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Word History and Origins

Origin of malic acid¹

C18 malic, via French malique from Latin mālum apple