phytic acid

[ fahy-tik, fit-ik ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white to pale-yellow, water-soluble liquid, C 6 H 1 8 O 2 4 P 6 , found in cereal grains: used chiefly to chelate heavy metals during the manufacture of animal fats and vegetable oils and as a water-softening agent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of phytic acid¹

1905–10; phyt ( in ) a salt of phytic acid (< German Phytin < Greek phyt ( ón ) plant + German -in -in ² ) + -ic

Example Sentences

All it takes to dissolve the phytic acid and allow the plants to start growing is a little soak in water.

From Popular-Science