tartaric acid

noun

tar·​tar·​ic acid (ˌ)tär-ˈter-ik- How to pronounce tartaric acid (audio)
(ˌ)tär-ˈta-rik-
: a strong dicarboxylic acid C4H6O6 of plant origin that occurs in various isomeric forms, is usually obtained from tartar, and is used especially in food and medicines, in photography, in wine making, and in making salts and esters

Examples of tartaric acid in a Sentence

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Less than 2% of: acacia, beta-carotene, glycine, L-aspartic acid, natural flavors, orange juice concentrate, orange oil, silicon dioxide, tartaric acid, tocopherols How Effective Are the Ingredients? Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024 To do this, amino acids, lactic acid, and tartaric acid work together to penetrate the hair cuticle and guard against color fading. Deanna Pai, Allure, 8 Aug. 2024 The two ingredients work well together to prevent signs of aging, alongside squalane for moisture and tartaric acid, which helps the skin absorb product more easily. Akili King, Vogue, 10 July 2024 This formula features a blend of potent chemical exfoliants, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid, to target excess oil production, dull skin, and hyperpigmentation. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tartaric acid 

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tartaric acid was in 1810

Dictionary Entries Near tartaric acid

Cite this Entry

“Tartaric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tartaric%20acid. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

tartaric acid

noun
tar·​tar·​ic acid (ˌ)tär-ˌtar-ik- How to pronounce tartaric acid (audio)
: a strong dicarboxylic acid C4H6O6 of plant origin that occurs in three optically isomeric crystalline forms
especially : a dextrorotatory L-form of tartaric acid that is widely distributed in plants and especially in fruits (as grapes) both free and combined as salts and that is used chiefly in effervescent beverages and pharmaceutical preparations, in desserts and candies, in photography, in making salts and esters, and as a sequestering agent

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