citric acid

noun

cit·​ric acid ˈsi-trik- How to pronounce citric acid (audio)
: 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
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.
Internally there’s a small chamber that holds a harmless mix of citric acid and baking soda. Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025 If customers ask for something that does not grow in Michigan, like a lemon, Ms. Sample tells employees to explain the Argus mission and then offer an alternative, like citric acid, or give directions to a different store. Alexandra Talty, New York Times, 17 May 2025 Leake says the couple had been talking about starting a bath-bomb company, and a pile of those ingredients, including baking soda and citric acid, was on display. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025 Abiotic origin of the citric acid cycle intermediates Communications Earth and Environment. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for citric acid

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of citric acid was in 1790

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Cite this Entry

“Citric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citric%20acid. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

citric acid

noun
cit·​ric acid ˌsi-trik- How to pronounce citric acid (audio)
: 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- How to pronounce citric acid (audio)
: 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

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