tartaric acid

noun

tar·​tar·​ic acid (ˌ)tär-ˈter-ik- How to pronounce tartaric acid (audio)
(ˌ)tär-ˈta-rik-
: a strong dicarboxylic acid C4H6O6 of plant origin that occurs in various isomeric forms, is usually obtained from tartar, and is used especially in food and medicines, in photography, in wine making, and in making salts and esters

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web For instance, his Viognier — a grape typically ripened to excess to bring out its heavy aroma, then brought into line through the chemical addition of tartaric acid—is honey-hued with a lush, tropical nose, but is bracing and herbaceous on the palate. Boris Fishman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2022 If eaten, the tartaric acid in grapes or raisins may cause acute kidney disease. Leticia Fanucchi, Discover Magazine, 29 Dec. 2022 Having the following ingredients in your chosen face serum can be helpful: lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tartaric acid.' 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

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tartaric acid was in 1810

Dictionary Entries Near tartaric acid

Cite this Entry

“Tartaric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tartaric%20acid. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Medical Definition

tartaric acid

noun
tar·​tar·​ic acid (ˌ)tär-ˌtar-ik- How to pronounce tartaric acid (audio)
: a strong dicarboxylic acid C4H6O6 of plant origin that occurs in three optically isomeric crystalline forms
especially : a dextrorotatory L-form of tartaric acid that is widely distributed in plants and especially in fruits (as grapes) both free and combined as salts and that is used chiefly in effervescent beverages and pharmaceutical preparations, in desserts and candies, in photography, in making salts and esters, and as a sequestering agent

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