malic acid

noun

: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C₄H₆O₅

especially : the levorotatory isomer of malic acid that is found in various fruits (such as apples) and is formed as an intermediate in the Krebs cycle

Examples of malic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What to Know About Foot Peels and Masks Ingredients: For exfoliation, look for alpha-hydroxy acids like lactic, glycolic, mandelic, citric, and malic acids. —Daley Quinn Published, Health, 6 Sep. 2024

Also, while malic acid is commonly consumed in foods, research regarding malic acid supplementation while pregnant or breastfeeding is extremely limited. —Mary Choy, Health, 14 July 2024

In experiments, the strawberry/baking soda remedy actually harmed teeth because malic acid in the berries eats away at tooth enamel. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2024

The malate form of magnesium means it is bound to malic acid, which may also have a beneficial role in muscle recovery. —Britannay Scanniello, Verywell Health, 1 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French acide malique, ultimately from Latin malum apple, from Greek mēlon, malon

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

malic acid

noun

: any of three optical isomers of a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C₄H₆O₅

especially : the one found in various plant juices and formed as an intermediate in the Krebs cycle