lactic

adjective

lac·​tic ˈlak-tik How to pronounce lactic (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to milk
b
: obtained from sour milk or whey
2
: involving the production of lactic acid

Examples of lactic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With a bright green, mint-scented formula, Tata Harper’s Clarifying Cleanser stars prickly pear enzymes, willow bark extract, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids to speed up skin cell turnover and balance oil production. Sarah Felbin, Allure, 20 May 2026 The dish had hardly a hint of sweetness at all beyond the butter’s lactic tang. Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 10 May 2026 Lactic Acid While lactic and glycolic acids are both alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), lactic acid is better suited for dry and/or sensitive skin types. Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026 Look for ingredients like lactic and poly hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate, recommends Nila, and always follow with a hydrating serum or moisturizer. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lactic

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of lactic was in 1790

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactic. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

lactic

adjective
lac·​tic ˈlak-tik How to pronounce lactic (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to milk
b
: obtained from sour milk or whey
2
: involving the production of lactic acid
lactic fermentation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster