: 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
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Some bartenders try to honor the original three-ingredient recipe and pile on the grapefruit juice, making a whiskey greyhound with too much sweetness, while others either reduce the fruit component to almost nothing or else add acidity with lemons or powdered citric acid.
—
Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2024
Let the creamy treatment sit for 20 minutes, then rinse it off for an instant brightening boost thanks to a 25% AHA blend of tartaric, lactic, and citric acids mixed with chickpea flour.
—Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024
Blackstrap molasses is used in animal feed and the industrial production of vinegar, citric acid, and other products.20
Molasses is also used to make ethanol, a type of biofuel, which is a renewable energy source.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 17 Sep. 2024
Its slightly vinegar-like flavor is due to its acetic, tartaric, and citric acid content.11
Some people also add their favorite fruits or herbs to the mixture to personalize their beverage.
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for citric acid 
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Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2024
Let the creamy treatment sit for 20 minutes, then rinse it off for an instant brightening boost thanks to a 25% AHA blend of tartaric, lactic, and citric acids mixed with chickpea flour.
—Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024
Blackstrap molasses is used in animal feed and the industrial production of vinegar, citric acid, and other products.20
Molasses is also used to make ethanol, a type of biofuel, which is a renewable energy source.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 17 Sep. 2024
Its slightly vinegar-like flavor is due to its acetic, tartaric, and citric acid content.11
Some people also add their favorite fruits or herbs to the mixture to personalize their beverage.
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for citric acid
Dictionary Entries Near citric acid
Cite this Entry
“Citric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citric%20acid. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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