citric acid

noun

cit·​ric acid ˈsi-trik- 

: a tricarboxylic acid C₆H₈O₇ occurring in cellular metabolism, obtained especially from lemon and lime juices or by fermentation of sugars, and used chiefly as a flavoring

Examples of citric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The formula uses a strengthening complex featuring amino acids, arginine, and citric acid to revive damaged hair and prevent future breakage. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 28 Dec. 2024

The original concoction was the Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade (which includes water, lemon juice, sugar, lemon oil, hibiscus flowers, citric acid, natural flavors, cinnamon, apple, licorice root, lemongrass, fruit juice extract, and ice), plus four pumps of raspberry syrup. —Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 20 Dec. 2024

The gels were made out of agarose mixed with a bit of mineral water and specific flavor essences: sugar, salt, citric acid, cherry, milk, green tea, passion fruit, durian, and grapefruit. —Ars Technica, 26 Nov. 2024

The kit includes several of the chemicals needed (for example, citric acid, baking soda, vegetable oil, and red cabbage powder), so kids don’t have to raid the pantry to complete these experiments. —Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

citric acid

noun

cit·​ric acid ˌsi-trik- 

: a pleasantly sour-tasting organic acid obtained especially from lemon and lime juices or by the chemical breakdown of sugars and used as a flavoring

Medical Definition

citric acid

noun

cit·​ric acid ˌsi-trik- 

: a sour organic acid C₆H₈O₇ occurring in cellular metabolism, obtained especially from lemon and lime juices or by fermentation of sugars, and used as a flavoring