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

Abiotic origin of the citric acid cycle intermediates Communications Earth and Environment. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025

The citric acid lifts discoloration, while the salt provides a mild scrubbing effect. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025

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

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