maleic acid

noun

ma·le·ic acid mə-ˈlē-ik-

-ˈlā-

: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C₄H₄O₄ that is isomeric with fumaric acid and is used especially in organic synthesis

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

See more words from the same year

Style

“Maleic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maleic%20acid. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Copy Citation

maleic acid

noun

ma·le·ic acid mə-ˌlē-ik-

-ˌlā-

: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C₄H₄O₄ that is isomeric with fumaric acid and is used especially in organic synthesis

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