tartaric acid
noun Chemistry.
an organic compound, C4H6O6, existing in four isomeric forms, the common or dextrorotatory isomer being a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder or transparent crystals: used in effervescent beverages, baking powders, confections, photography, and tanning.
Nearby words
tartarean, tartarian, tartarian aster, tartarian honeysuckle, tartaric, tartaric acid, tartarize, tartarous, tartarus, tartary, tartine
Origin of tartaric acid
First recorded in 1800–10
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British Dictionary definitions for tartaric acid
tartaric acid
noun
a colourless or white odourless crystalline water-soluble dicarboxylic acid existing in four stereoisomeric forms, the commonest being the dextrorotatory (d-) compound which is found in many fruits: used as a food additive (E334) in soft drinks, confectionery, and baking powders and in tanning and photography. Formula: HOOCCH(OH)CH(OH)COOHSystematic name: 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Science definitions for tartaric acid
tartaric acid
[ tär-tăr′ĭk ]
A crystalline organic acid that exists in three isomeric forms and occurs widely in plants. It is found in byproducts of wine fermentation and has a wide variety of uses, including to make cream of tartar and baking powder, to add effervescence to beverages, to polish metal, in printing and dyeing, and to make photographic chemicals. Chemical formula: C4H6O6.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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