muramic acid

noun

mu·ram·ic acid myu̇-ˈra-mik-

: an amino sugar C₉H₁₇NO₇ that is a lactic acid derivative of glucosamine and is found especially in bacterial cell walls

Word History

Etymology

Latin murus wall + English + glucosamine + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of muramic acid was in 1957

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murally

muramic acid

Muran

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Muramic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muramic%20acid. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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Medical Definition

muramic acid

noun

mu·ram·ic acid myu̇-ˌram-ik-

: an amino sugar C₉H₁₇NO₇ that is a lactic acid derivative of glucosamine and is found especially in bacterial cell walls

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