citric acid

noun

cit·​ric acid ˈsi-trik- 

: a tricarboxylic acid C₆H₈O₇ occurring in cellular metabolism, obtained especially from lemon and lime juices or by fermentation of sugars, and used chiefly as a flavoring

Examples of citric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One myth is that using lemon-lime soda such as Sprite keeps flowers fresh because the citric acid prevents the sugar from feeding bacteria. —Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026

For even more odor-fighting power, Rochester recommends combining 2 teaspoons of citric acid, a half cup of water, 10 drops of tea tree oil, and 20 drops of pine essential oil in a spray bottle. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026

Lemon juice contains around five times more citric acid than orange juice. —Zia Sherrell, Health, 7 Feb. 2026

Is citric acid good for the skin? —Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for citric acid

• antacid
• placid

Kids Definition

citric acid

noun

cit·​ric acid ˌsi-trik- 

: a pleasantly sour-tasting organic acid obtained especially from lemon and lime juices or by the chemical breakdown of sugars and used as a flavoring

Medical Definition

citric acid

noun

cit·​ric acid ˌsi-trik- 

: a sour organic acid C₆H₈O₇ occurring in cellular metabolism, obtained especially from lemon and lime juices or by fermentation of sugars, and used as a flavoring