malic acid

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, crystalline, water-soluble solid, C 4 H 6 O 5 , occurring in apples and other fruits and as an intermediate in animal metabolism.

malic acid

/ ˈmeɪ-; ˈmælɪk /

noun

1. a colourless crystalline compound occurring in apples and other fruits. Formula: HOOCCH 2 CH(OH)COOH

malic acid

/ măl′ĭk,mā′lĭk /

1. A colorless, crystalline compound that occurs naturally in a wide variety of unripe fruits, including apples, cherries, and tomatoes, and is an intermediate product of the Krebs cycle. It is used as a flavoring and in the aging of wine. Also called malate. Chemical formula: C 4 H 6 O 5 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of malic acid¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Word History and Origins

Origin of malic acid¹

C18 malic, via French malique from Latin mālum apple

Example Sentences

If malic acid is present, a voluminous flocculent precipitate will form.

From Project Gutenberg

Malic acid has, however, been discovered to be present in the prothallus as a whole.

From Project Gutenberg

By long-continued heating with caustic soda at 100 C. it is converted into inactive malic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

The acid of the apple is usually considered to be malic acid, but really there are several acids mixed together.

From Project Gutenberg

Lead sub-acetate precipitates mainly the malic acid which is always present in cider vinegar.

From Project Gutenberg