pyruvic acid

noun

, Chemistry, Biochemistry.

1. a water-soluble liquid, C 3 H 4 O 3 , important in many metabolic and fermentative processes, having an odor resembling that of acetic acid, prepared by the dehydration of tartaric acid: used chiefly in biochemical research.

pyruvic acid

/ paɪˈruːvɪk /

noun

1. a colourless pleasant-smelling liquid formed as an intermediate in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, helping to release energy to the body; 2-oxopropanoic acid. Formula: CH 3 COCOOH

pyruvic acid

/ pī-ro̅o̅′vĭk /

1. A colorless organic liquid formed by the breakdown of carbohydrates and sugars during cell metabolism. It is the final product of glycolysis and is converted into acetyl coenzyme A, which is required for the Krebs cycle. It is also used in the body to synthesize the amino acid alanine. Chemical formula: C 3 H 4 O 3 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyruvic acid¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyruvic acid¹

C19: pyruvic from pyro- + Latin ūva grape

Example Sentences

An earlier version of this article misstated the definition of pyruvic acid.

From New York Times

But sweet onions have low levels of pyruvic acid, which makes an onion taste hot and a cook’s eyes tear.

From New York Times