malic acid

noun

: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C₄H₆O₅

especially : the levorotatory isomer of malic acid that is found in various fruits (such as apples) and is formed as an intermediate in the Krebs cycle

Examples of malic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, like many other fruits, cherries also contain malic acid, which may help improve non-heme iron uptake.14 These tart-tasting cherries go well with oatmeal, in smoothies, or as a salad topping. —Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2025

Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, green tea extract, licorice root extract, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, tartaric acid, lactobionic acid, niacinamide Type: Serum Size: 1.69 fl. oz. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2025

The exfoliating lactic, glycolic, citric, and malic acids (all alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs), plus jojoba spheres, gently buff skin to tackle texture. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 22 Aug. 2025

The full list of ingredients is as follows–Espadín agave, organic agave nectar, glycerol, malic acid, citric acid, salt, natural flavors, natural mushroom, and glycolipids (to preserve freshness). —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French acide malique, ultimately from Latin malum apple, from Greek mēlon, malon

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for malic acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

malic acid

noun

: any of three optical isomers of a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C₄H₆O₅

especially : the one found in various plant juices and formed as an intermediate in the Krebs cycle