gluconic acid

noun

glu·​con·​ic acid (ˌ)glü-ˈkä-nik- How to pronounce gluconic acid (audio)
: a crystalline acid C6H12O7 obtained by oxidation of glucose

Examples of gluconic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
According to Smithsonian Magazine, bees have an enzyme in their stomachs called glucose oxidase, which mixes with nectar and breaks down into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. USA TODAY, 28 June 2023 Another enzyme goes to work — glucose oxidase — which converts some of the glucose into gluconic acid that will help preserve the honey. Berly McCoy, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2021 Instead of gluconolactone, for example, the ingredient may be listed as gluconic acid, zinc gluconate, or copper gluconate. Sarah Jacoby, SELF, 2 Aug. 2019

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, irregular from glucose + -ic

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gluconic acid was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near gluconic acid

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

gluconic acid

noun
glu·​con·​ic acid (ˌ)glü-ˌkän-ik- How to pronounce gluconic acid (audio)
: a crystalline acid C6H12O7 obtained by oxidation of glucose and used chiefly in cleaning metals and as the source of its salts some of which are used medicinally see gluconate
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