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

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

The acidity of the fruit is chiefly due to malic acid.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" by Various