oxalic acid

noun

ox·​al·​ic acid (ˌ)äk-ˈsa-lik- 

: a poisonous strong acid (COOH)₂ or H₂C₂O₄ that occurs in various plants (such as spinach) as oxalates and is used especially as a bleaching or cleaning agent and as a chemical intermediate

Examples of oxalic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That would have meant using oxalic acid to remove an iron stain and a strong solvent to draw out an ink spill. —Clark Hodgin, New York Times, 2 May 2025

However, his team found that oxalic acid may help gadolinium escape from the contrast agent and form nanoparticles. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025

Still, new research into how natural compounds like oxalic acid may affect gadolinium buildup is helping scientists better understand why some people experience lingering effects. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025

Now the new study, led by UNM professor Brent Wagner, MD, has found a connection between gadolinium and oxalic acid, a molecule found in foods which binds with metal ions, leading to medical issues such as kidney stones. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French (acide) oxalique, from Latin oxalis

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for oxalic acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

oxalic acid

noun

ox·​al·​ic acid (ˌ)äk-ˌsal-ik- 

: a poisonous strong acid (COOH)₂ or H₂C₂O₄ that occurs in various plants as oxalates and is used especially as a bleaching or cleaning agent and as a chemical intermediate