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lactic acid
noun
: a hygroscopic organic acid C3H6O3 present normally especially in muscle tissue as a by-product of anaerobic glycolysis, produced in carbohydrate matter usually by bacterial fermentation, and used especially in food and medicine and in industry
Examples of lactic acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Also known as an occlusion training device, the BFR machine restricts blood flow to a muscle, a group of muscles and joints such as elbows and knees in order to beef up the lactic acid produced during exercise, a key component in building muscle.
—
Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2024
Case in point: Olay’s Super Serum packs a punch, with brightening vitamin C, soothing niacinamide, plumping hyaluronic acid, and exfoliating lactic acid.
—
Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 27 June 2024
This lactic acid face serum hydrates your skin while exfoliating.
—
Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 26 June 2024
Doses of sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide restore hydration, while lactic acid helps to unclog pores and control shine.
—
Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 11 June 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lactic 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
1790, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near lactic acid
Cite this Entry
“Lactic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactic%20acid. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Kids Definition
lactic acid
noun
lac·tic acid
ˌlak-tik-
: an organic acid present especially in muscle tissue as a result of the breakdown of carbohydrates (as glycogen), is made from carbohydrates usually by fermentation by bacteria, and is used especially in food and medicine
Medical Definition
lactic acid
noun
: a hygroscopic organic acid C3H6O3 that is known in three optically isomeric forms:
a
or D-lactic acid
: the dextrorotatory form present normally in blood and muscle tissue as a product of the anaerobic metabolism of glucose and glycogen
b
or L-lactic acid
: the levorotatory form obtained by biological fermentation of sucrose
c
or DL-lactic acid
: the racemic form present in food products and made usually by bacterial fermentation (as of whey or raw sugar) but also synthetically, and used chiefly in foods and beverages, in medicine, in tanning and dyeing, and in making esters for use as solvents and plasticizers
More from Merriam-Webster on lactic acid
Nglish: Translation of lactic acid for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lactic acid
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