gallic acid

noun

gal·​lic acid ˈga-lik-  ˈgȯ-lik- 

: a white crystalline acid C₇H₆O₅ found widely in plants or combined in tannins and used especially in dyes and as a photographic developer

Examples of gallic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This formula also features nourishing hyaluronic acid, garland lily extract, and gallic acid with a blend of ferulic acid and vitamin E to support UV and blue light protection. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 28 Aug. 2023

These compounds were found in the kernel (nut) of the black walnut and included gallic acid, quercetin, and naringin, among others.5 Other research has shown that the intake of nuts may improve inflammation. —Brittany Lubeck, Rd, Verywell Health, 16 Mar. 2023

Caffeine, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid and kaempferol all improve the diversity and quantity of honeybee gut microbes, researchers reported last year in the Journal of Applied Microbiology. —Berly McCoy, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2021

How much gallic acid is there normally in a human colon? —Hannah Seo, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2020

When the team eliminated gut bacteria in mice, but then administered gallic acid on its own, the resulting tumor growth pattern looked as if the entire microbiome had been intact. —Hannah Seo, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2020

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French (acide) gallique, from galle gall entry 3 + -ique -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

gallic acid

noun

gal·​lic acid ˌgal-ik-  ˌgȯ-lik- 

: a white crystalline acid C₇H₆O₅ found widely in plants or combined in tannins and used especially in dyes and writing ink and as a photographic developer