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
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.
Magnesium Malate Magnesium malate is a type of supplement made from magnesium and malic acid (malate). Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 20 Nov. 2024 What to Know About Foot Peels and Masks Ingredients: For exfoliation, look for alpha-hydroxy acids like lactic, glycolic, mandelic, citric, and malic acids. Daley Quinn Published, Health, 6 Sep. 2024 Also, while malic acid is commonly consumed in foods, research regarding malic acid supplementation while pregnant or breastfeeding is extremely limited. Mary Choy, Health, 14 July 2024 In experiments, the strawberry/baking soda remedy actually harmed teeth because malic acid in the berries eats away at tooth enamel. San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for malic acid 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malic acid was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near malic acid

Cite this Entry

“Malic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malic%20acid. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on malic acid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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