citric acid

noun

cit·​ric acid ˈsi-trik- 

: 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

Recent Examples on the Web

The kit includes several of the chemicals needed (for example, citric acid, baking soda, vegetable oil, and red cabbage powder), so kids don’t have to raid the pantry to complete these experiments. —Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 5 Dec. 2024

This solid shower oil also contains citric acid, a light chemical exfoliator that sloughs away dead skin. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Allure, 30 Nov. 2024

Magnesium Citrate Magnesium citrate supplements combine magnesium and citrate (citric acid). —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 20 Nov. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Kids 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