citric acid: Meaning and Definition of

cit'ric ac'id

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, CHO&multiplydot;HO, a tribasic acid having a strong acidic taste, an intermediate in the metabolism of carbohydrates occurring in many fruits, esp. limes and lemons, obtained chiefly by fermentation of crude sugar or corn sugar: used chiefly in the flavoring of beverages, confections, and pharmaceuticals.