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

Magnesium Citrate Magnesium citrate supplements combine magnesium and citrate (citric acid). —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 16 July 2024

Each eye patch is infused with a handful of transformative ingredients, like citric acid to restore a healthy glow to the skin, alongside chamomilla recutita flower extract to soothe redness and irritation while moisturizing. —Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 16 July 2024

Sometimes referred to as the citric acid cycle, the Krebs cycle is the process through which the body's cells generate energy. —Mary Choy, Health, 14 July 2024

First thing’s first: hypochlorous acid is a weak acid (a chemistry term for acid with a low pH level—think citric acid) with strong antimicrobial properties. —Myranda Mondry, Allure, 4 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

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