carbonic acid

noun

: a weak dibasic acid H2CO3 known only in solution that reacts with bases to form carbonates

Examples of carbonic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web By boiling the infusion of malt and hops, cooling out of contact with air and fermenting with a pure yeast in vessels to which only carbonic acid or pure air is admitted, a beer is produced of superior quality, which may be preserved without trouble for any time. Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024 In the half-century that has followed that warning, more of the ice has melted, sea level has risen further and acidification due to ever increasing absorption of carbon dioxide forming carbonic acid has become a critical problem for ocean-dwelling organisms. Sylvia G. Dee, The Conversation, 22 July 2021 The volcano experiment is a simple case of an acid-base reaction where the baking soda, a sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), reacts with acetic acid (C2H4O2) in the vinegar to produce an intermediate product known as carbonic acid (H2CO3). Anthony Martin, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2014 As carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere increase, the seas absorb greater amounts of the gas, which reacts with water to form carbonic acid. Jennifer Barone, Discover Magazine, 10 May 2011 See all Example Sentences for carbonic acid 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'carbonic acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carbonic acid was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near carbonic acid

Cite this Entry

“Carbonic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbonic%20acid. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

carbonic acid

noun
car·​bon·​ic acid
kär-ˈbän-ik-
: a weak acid that is formed from water and carbon dioxide, is found only in mixtures with water, and breaks down easily

Medical Definition

carbonic acid

noun
: a weak dibasic acid H2CO3 known only in solution that reacts with bases to form carbonates

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