malic

adjective

ma·​lic ˈma-lik How to pronounce malic (audio) ˈmā- How to pronounce malic (audio)
: involved in and especially catalyzing a reaction in which malic acid participates
malic dehydrogenase

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Honestly lemon juice would be OK too, but the long, malic, zesty finish of limes is really the star here. Jason O'bryan, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2023 Resurfacing Face Peel To smooth skin texture, swipe on this Beauty Lab test-winning Philosophy peel with a trio of sloughing acids (glycolic, mandelic and malic). Good Housekeeping, 20 Apr. 2023 Tests confirmed residue of tartaric acid, the main acid found in wine, as well as associated acids of citric, malic and succinic. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 19 Jan. 2022 Here's a popular exfoliator that uses a blend of glycolic, lactic, and malic acids, plus fruit enzymes, to deeply exfoliate skin. Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, 27 Jan. 2023 Chemical analysis showed that several of the shards tested positive for residues associated with winemaking, including tartaric, malic, succinic, and citric acids. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2017 AHAs—glycolic, lactic, malic, etc.—and BHAs—salicylic—are the common powerful ingredients in most acne cleansers. Nerisha Penrose, ELLE, 15 Dec. 2022 This drink is clearly with lime juice, and a few people will go on record saying that the malic tart finish of lime (as opposed to lemon) is important for the enjoyment of this drink. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2022 This potent cleanser does double duty thanks to its high concentration of alpha hydroxy acids, including lactic, glycolic, citric and malic acids, as well as salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate skin and clear clogged pores. Catharine Malzahn, Good Housekeeping, 6 June 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'malic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malic was circa 1909

Dictionary Entries Near malic

Cite this Entry

“Malic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malic. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Medical Definition

malic

adjective
ma·​lic ˈmal-ik How to pronounce malic (audio) ˈmā-lik How to pronounce malic (audio)
: involved in and especially catalyzing a reaction in which malic acid participates
malic dehydrogenase
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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