lactic acid

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a colorless or yellowish, syrupy, water-soluble liquid, C 3 H 6 O 3 , produced during muscle contraction as a product of anaerobic glucose metabolism, abundant in sour milk, prepared usually by fermentation of cornstarch, molasses, potatoes, etc., or synthesized: used chiefly in dyeing and textile printing, as a flavoring agent in food, and in medicine.

lactic acid

noun

1. a colourless syrupy carboxylic acid found in sour milk and many fruits and used as a preservative ( E270 ) for foodstuffs, such as soft margarine, and for making pharmaceuticals and adhesives. Formula: CH 3 CH(OH)COOH Systematic name2-hydroxypropanoic acid

lactic acid

/ lăk′tĭk /

1. A syrupy, water-soluble organic acid produced when milk sours or certain fruits ferment. It is also produced in the body during the anaerobic metabolism of glucose, as in muscle tissue during exercise, where its buildup can cause cramping pains. A synthetic form of lactic acid is used as a flavoring and preservative, in dyeing and textile printing, and in pharmaceuticals. Chemical formula: C 3 H 6 O 3 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of lactic acid¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

“Cupping helps the body to detox that lactic acid and get it moved out of the area so that soreness can be relieved.”

From Salon

Because the thin air at altitude did not allow enough oxygen to be absorbed by the body, lactic acid was produced earlier, and at slower speeds, leading to poor muscular recovery.

From Los Angeles Times

The sensor was proven to detect lactic acid, a byproduct generated by the body when it metabolises carbohydrates or glucose for fuel, for example, during exercise.

From Science Daily

Many physicians still perceive high levels of lactate -- often incorrectly called lactic acid -- in the blood as a symptom of illness that needs to be fixed with supplemental oxygenor drugs.

From Science Daily

Bacteria, colored blue, metabolize sugars and release byproducts such as lactic acid and acetic acid.

From Salon