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

They focused on malic acid, which is found in apples; lactic acid, which can be found in fermented foods; choline chloride, which is a salt often used as a food additive; and glycerol, which is often used as a sugar substitute.

From Science Daily

But they have even more salt and more unidentifiable ingredients like Dextrose, Malic Acid, Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate.

From Salon

Several laboratory studies have also shown that the combined effects of wine alcohol and organic acids, such as malic acid, can prevent the growth of E coli and Salmonella.

From Salon

The chardonnay was made idiosyncratically, without malolactic fermentation, a process in which tart malic acid is converted by bacteria into softer lactic acid.

From New York Times

Some are taking a page from White Lyan, a now-closed but pioneering cocktail bar that had a limeless daiquiri, made with a science kit combination of powdered citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and phosphoric acid, mixed with water and salt.

From Salon