itaconic acid

noun

it·​a·​con·​ic acid ˌi-tə-ˈkä-nik- 

: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C₅H₆O₄ obtained usually by fermentation of sugars with molds (genus Aspergillus) and used as a monomer for polymers and polyesters

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, anagram of aconitic acid, C₃H₃(COOH)₃, from aconite

First Known Use

circa 1872, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

itaconic acid

noun

it·​a·​con·​ic acid ˌit-ə-ˌkän-ik- 

: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C₅H₆O₄ obtained usually by fermentation of sugars with molds of the genus Aspergillus