gluconic acid

noun

glu·​con·​ic acid (ˌ)glü-ˈkä-nik- 

: a crystalline acid C₆H₁₂O₇ obtained by oxidation of glucose

Examples of gluconic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An enzyme called glucose oxidase, which bees add to nectar, turns glucose into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide when the honey is diluted (for example, by wound moisture or saliva). —New Atlas, 29 June 2025

According to Smithsonian Magazine, bees have an enzyme in their stomachs called glucose oxidase, which mixes with nectar and breaks down into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. —USA TODAY, 28 June 2023

Another enzyme goes to work — glucose oxidase — which converts some of the glucose into gluconic acid that will help preserve the honey. —Berly McCoy, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2021

Instead of gluconolactone, for example, the ingredient may be listed as gluconic acid, zinc gluconate, or copper gluconate. —Sarah Jacoby, SELF, 2 Aug. 2019

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, irregular from glucose + -ic

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gluconic acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

gluconic acid

noun

glu·​con·​ic acid (ˌ)glü-ˌkän-ik- 

: a crystalline acid C₆H₁₂O₇ obtained by oxidation of glucose and used chiefly in cleaning metals and as the source of its salts some of which are used medicinally see gluconate