sorbic acid

noun

sor·​bic acid ˈsȯr-bik- How to pronounce sorbic acid (audio)
: a crystalline acid C6H8O2 obtained from the unripe fruits of the mountain ash or synthesized and used especially as a fungicide and food preservative

Examples of sorbic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This contains a few unique thickeners and preservatives, like sodium alginate and sorbic acid, to keep it squeezable. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 5 Oct. 2023 Celanese said its food business is a leading producer of acesulfame potassium sweetener known as Ace-K, as well as sorbic acid and potassium sorbate preservatives. Paul O'Donnell, Dallas News, 23 June 2023 The ritual may have arisen from observing that sheep nibbling rowanberries were healthier; the berries contain sorbic acid, which has anti-fungal properties. Rebecca Coffey, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2013

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sorbic 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

Etymology

sorb fruit of the service or related trees, from French sorbe, from Latin sorbum

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sorbic acid was in 1815

Dictionary Entries Near sorbic acid

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

sorbic acid

noun
sor·​bic acid ˌsȯr-bik- How to pronounce sorbic acid (audio)
: a crystalline acid C6H8O2 obtained from the unripe fruits of the mountain ash (genus Sorbus) or synthesized and used especially as a fungicide and food preservative

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