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

As Salon reported in 2020, Morris makes the superjuice by combining citrus peel, which is typically discarded, with citric and malic acid.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2022

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

Citric acid is found in lemons, limes and oranges; tartaric acid in grapes; malic acid in apples, pears, peaches, apricots, gooseberries and currants.

From Public School Domestic Science by Hoodless, Adelaide