citric acid

noun

cit·​ric acid ˈsi-trik- How to pronounce citric acid (audio)
: a tricarboxylic acid C6H8O7 occurring in cellular metabolism, obtained especially from lemon and lime juices or by fermentation of sugars, and used chiefly as a flavoring

Examples of citric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid Especially good for: Maintenance masking Pros: Gentle enough to use up to twice a week Cons: Pricey 14/20 EltaMD UV Clear Broadspectrum Sunscreen SPF 46 No skin care routine is complete without face sunscreen. Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2024 Magnesium Citrate Combining citric acid with magnesium creates magnesium citrate — most commonly used to treat constipation. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 29 Jan. 2024 Lime Juice: Lime juice has a tarter edge than lemon, with a malic acid zing (like green apples) in addition to the classic lemon’s citric acid. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2023 Finally, citric acid, color, and flavoring were added. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 8 June 2023 Keep in Mind To keep them in good condition, avoid using steel wool or citric acid detergent when cleaning the utensils. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2023 In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, citric acid, and black pepper. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 21 Dec. 2023 Look for citric acid at your local grocer, typically in the canning or spice section (where it is sometimes labeled as sour salt). Saveur Editors, Saveur, 21 Dec. 2023 Acetic is the harshest acid on muscle tissue, Sharma explained, followed by citric acid. Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'citric acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of citric acid was in 1790

Dictionary Entries Near citric acid

Cite this Entry

“Citric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citric%20acid. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

citric acid

noun
cit·​ric acid ˌsi-trik- How to pronounce citric acid (audio)
: a pleasantly sour-tasting organic acid obtained especially from lemon and lime juices or by the chemical breakdown of sugars and used as a flavoring

Medical Definition

citric acid

noun
cit·​ric acid ˌsi-trik- How to pronounce citric acid (audio)
: a sour organic acid C6H8O7 occurring in cellular metabolism, obtained especially from lemon and lime juices or by fermentation of sugars, and used as a flavoring

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