tartaric acid

noun

tar·​tar·​ic acid (ˌ)tär-ˈter-ik- 

(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

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

tartaric acid

noun

tar·​tar·​ic acid (ˌ)tär-ˌtar-ik- 

: 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