| a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, C6H8O7·H2O, a tribasic acid having a strong acidic taste, an intermediate in the metabolism of carbohydrates occurring in many fruits, esp. limes and lemons, obtained chiefly by fermentation of crude sugar or corn sugar: used chiefly in the flavoring of beverages, confections, and pharmaceuticals. |
| citric acid n. A colorless translucent crystalline acid, C6H8O7, principally derived by fermentation of carbohydrates or from lemon, lime, and pineapple juices and used in preparing citrates and in flavorings and metal polishes. |
citric acid cit·ric acid (sĭt'rĭk)
n.
A colorless translucent crystalline acid principally derived by fermentation of carbohydrates; an intermediate in metabolism.
citric acid  (sĭt'rĭk) Pronunciation Key
A white, odorless acid that has a sour taste and occurs widely in plants, especially in citrus fruit, and is formed during the Krebs cycle. It is used in medicine and as a flavoring. Ions of citric acid are a by-product of the metabolism of carbohydrates during the Krebs cycle.Chemical formula: C6H8O7. |