2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid; the acid of citrus fruits, widely distributed in nature and a key intermediate in intermediary metabolism.
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cit·ric acid .si-trik- n a sour organic acid C6H8O7 occurring in cellular metabolism, obtained esp. from lemon and lime juices or by fermentation of sugars, and used as a flavoring
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an organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits. Citric acid is formed in the first stage of the Krebs cycle, the important energy-producing cycle in the body.
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cit·ric ac·id (sitґrik) a compound from citrus fruits that is an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid (Krebs) cycle (q.v.). It chelates calcium ions and prevents blood clotting. [NF] anhydrous or monohydrated citric acid, used in the preparation of effervescent mixtures, as a synergist to enhance the action of antioxidants, and as an anticoagulant for stored whole blood and red cells and also for blood specimens.Medical dictionary. 2011.