itaconic acid

noun

it·​a·​con·​ic acid ˌi-tə-ˈkä-nik- How to pronounce itaconic acid (audio)
: 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of itaconic acid was circa 1872

Dictionary Entries Near itaconic acid

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Cite this Entry

“Itaconic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/itaconic%20acid. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

itaconic acid

noun
it·​a·​con·​ic acid ˌit-ə-ˌkän-ik- How to pronounce itaconic acid (audio)
: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C5H6O4 obtained usually by fermentation of sugars with molds of the genus Aspergillus
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