homogentisic acid

[ hoh-muh-jen-tis-ik, -tiz-, hoh- ]

noun

1. an intermediate compound in the metabolism of tyrosine and of phenylalanine, found in excess in the blood and urine of persons affected with alkaptonuria.

Word History and Origins

Origin of homogentisic acid¹

First recorded in 1890–95; homo- + gentisic acid