malic acid

American  

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.

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malic acid British  

/ ˈmeɪ-, ˈmælɪk /

noun

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

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malic acid Scientific  

/ măl′ĭk,mā′lĭk /

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 .

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Etymology

Origin of malic acid

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

malic acid

Several laboratory studies have also shown that the combined effects of wine alcohol and organic acids, such as malic acid, can prevent the growth of E coli and Salmonella.

From Salon ● Aug. 31, 2023

That quality, properly known as diacetyl, is a byproduct of malolactic fermentation, in which bacteria transform sharp malic acid into softer lactic acid, which is found in dairy products like butter, milk and cheese.

From New York Times ● Oct. 14, 2021

This allowed researchers to extract four organic compounds present in the potsherds: citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid and tartaric acid.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 13, 2017

Heirloom cider apples, like a Kingston Black or a Northern Spy, have different levels of sugar, malic acid, and tannins.

From Slate ● Aug. 24, 2016

The thick leaves contain an abundant acidulous astringent juice, which is mucilaginous, and affords malic acid, identical with that of the Apple.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas