malic
Definition
- Adjective (Chemistry):
- Relating to malic acid: "malic" is an adjective that describes a chemical compound derived from or related to malic acid, a dicarboxylic acid found in many fruits, especially apples.
Usage Examples
- (The amount of malic acid present in the fruit.)
- (The acid itself, described by the adjective "malic".)
Advanced Usage
"Malic acid": the specific chemical compound (C₄H₆O₅) that is a key component in the Krebs cycle and contributes to the tartness of fruits.
- Winemakers monitor the malic acid levels to control the wine's acidity. (The concentration of malic acid in the wine.)
"L-malic acid": the naturally occurring isomer of malic acid found in living organisms.
- L-malic acid is used in some cosmetic products for its exfoliating properties. (A specific form of the acid.)
Variants and Related Words
- Malate (noun): a salt or ester of malic acid.
- Malate is an intermediate in cellular metabolism. (A chemical derivative of malic acid.)
Synonyms
- Apple-derived: pertaining to or originating from apples (common association, though malic acid is found in other fruits).
- Fruit acid: a general term for organic acids found in fruits, including malic acid.
Related Idioms
- No common idioms exist for "malic" due to its specialized scientific usage.