ascorbic acid

[ uh-skawr-bik as-id ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble vitamin, C 6 H 8 O 6 , occurring naturally in citrus fruits, green vegetables, etc., and often produced synthetically, essential for normal metabolism: used in the prevention and treatment of scurvy, and in wound-healing and tissue repair.

ascorbic acid

/ əˈskɔːbɪk /

noun

1. a white crystalline vitamin present in plants, esp citrus fruits, tomatoes, and green vegetables. A deficiency in the diet of man leads to scurvy. Formula: C 6 H 8 O 6 Also calledvitamin C

ascorbic acid

/ ə-skôr′bĭk /

1. See vitamin C

ascorbic acid

1. A form of vitamin C.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ascorbic acid¹

First recorded in 1930–35; a- ⁶ + scorb(ut)ic ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of ascorbic acid¹

C20 ascorbic from a- ¹+ scorb ( ut ) ic

Example Sentences

Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of the vitamin, also known as ascorbic acid.

From Time

Most animals—humans and upper primates being notable exceptions—can synthesize their own ascorbic acid.

From Time