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

There’s also citric acid for sour, magnesium chloride for bitter, and glutamate for umami. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 3 Mar. 2025

In the case of the imaginary fruit, for example, glucose and citric acid would be used. —Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 28 Feb. 2025

Water or citric acid is often added to create a more palatable, shelf-stable beet juice. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 14 Feb. 2025

Key ingredients: Multi-weight hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, citric acid. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for citric acid

• antacid
• placid

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