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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Celsius has denied the claims and contends that citric acid is a flavoring and not a preservative but settled the case to avoid the risk and expense of a lawsuit, according to a release. —Leada Gore | [e-mail], al, 30 Jan. 2023

Note that the citric acid in some of these bath bombs is considered safe for the skin. —Dallas News, 18 Jan. 2023

Sometimes an acid, such as citric acid, is also added. —Alice Chi Phung, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2014

The fizz usually comes from a combination of baking soda and citric acid. —Dallas News, 18 Jan. 2023

This electrolyte powder blend contains simple and clean ingredients like organic fruit juices, natural colors, citric acid, and sea salt. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Feb. 2023

The full kit, which makes up to 108 oz of various kinds of cheese, includes instructions, recipes, two rennet tablets, citric acid, non-iodized cheese salt, cheese cloth and a thermometer. —Annie O’sullivan, Good Housekeeping, 14 Oct. 2022

But more technically, it’s made of spermatozoa along with fluids such as citric acid, free amino acids, fructose, enzymes, calcium, and even zinc, according to News Medical. —Molly Longman, refinery29.com, 6 Sep. 2021

Following a similar composition to the Good Cleanup, this gentle, fragrance-free toner refreshes the skin and refines your pores using exfoliants like glycolic and citric acid without stripping your skin bare. —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE, 14 Feb. 2023

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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