citric acid

noun

cit·​ric acid ˈsi-trik- 

: 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: Sea salt, carrageenan, citric acid, aloe leaf juice, grandiflorum flower extract, coconut oil, gardenia tahitensis flower extract, aleurites moluccana seed oil How To Apply: Think of this as one of the key tools in your wavy hair routine arsenal. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 May 2025

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, citric acid. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 21 Feb. 2025

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, centella asiatica extract, panthenol, niacinamide, betaine, propanediol, citric acid, fragrance. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024

Unlike many of its competitors, Sir Kensington’s vegan mayo also includes flavorings like rosemary extract, mustard extract, lemon oil, citric acid, and black pepper—which means the final product has distinct black specks, while most others are an unadulterated eggshell in color. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for citric acid

• antacid
• placid

Kids Definition

citric acid

noun

cit·​ric acid ˌsi-trik- 

: 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- 

: 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