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

Examples of malic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And this wine is full of malic crispness, like that apple, or maybe even a slightly underripe pear. Jeff Burkhart, Mercury News, 14 May 2025 The exfoliating complex in question includes a 15% concentration of glycolic, phytic, malic, mandelic, and lactic acids with squalane thrown into the mix for moisture replenishment. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Feb. 2025 The most common types of acid in wine are tartaric, malic, lactic, and citric. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malic was circa 1909

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Cite this Entry

“Malic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malic. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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
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