tartaric acid

noun

tar·​tar·​ic acid (ˌ)tär-ˈter-ik- 

(ˌ)tär-ˈta-rik-

: a strong dicarboxylic acid C₄H₆O₆ of plant origin that occurs in various isomeric forms, is usually obtained from tartar, and is used especially in food and medicines, in photography, in wine making, and in making salts and esters

Examples of tartaric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To do this, amino acids, lactic acid, and tartaric acid work together to penetrate the hair cuticle and guard against color fading. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 8 Aug. 2024

The two ingredients work well together to prevent signs of aging, alongside squalane for moisture and tartaric acid, which helps the skin absorb product more easily. —Akili King, Vogue, 10 July 2024

This formula features a blend of potent chemical exfoliants, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid, to target excess oil production, dull skin, and hyperpigmentation. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024

Half of the crystals were recognizably tartaric acid, an industrially useful salt that grew naturally on the walls of wine barrels. —Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 6 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

tartaric acid

noun

tar·​tar·​ic acid (ˌ)tär-ˌtar-ik- 

: a strong dicarboxylic acid C₄H₆O₆ of plant origin that occurs in three optically isomeric crystalline forms

especially : a dextrorotatory L-form of tartaric acid that is widely distributed in plants and especially in fruits (as grapes) both free and combined as salts and that is used chiefly in effervescent beverages and pharmaceutical preparations, in desserts and candies, in photography, in making salts and esters, and as a sequestering agent