maleic acid

noun

ma·​le·​ic acid mə-ˈlē-ik- How to pronounce maleic acid (audio)
-ˈlā-
: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C4H4O4 that is isomeric with fumaric acid and is used especially in organic synthesis

Word History

Etymology

French acide maléique, alteration of acide malique malic acid; from its formation by dehydration of malic acid

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maleic acid was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near maleic acid

male griffin

maleic acid

maleic anhydride

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Cite this Entry

“Maleic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maleic%20acid. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Medical Definition

maleic acid

noun
ma·​le·​ic acid mə-ˌlē-ik- How to pronounce maleic acid (audio) -ˌlā- How to pronounce maleic acid (audio)
: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C4H4O4 that is isomeric with fumaric acid and is used especially in organic synthesis

More from Merriam-Webster on maleic acid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about maleic acid

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