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ascorbic acid

Pronunciation: /əˈskɔːbɪk/

Definition of ascorbic acid

noun

[mass noun]
  • a vitamin found particularly in citrus fruits and green vegetables. It is essential in maintaining healthy connective tissue, and is also thought to act as an antioxidant. Severe deficiency causes scurvy. Also called vitamin C.
    • A lactone; chemical formula: C6H8O6

Origin:

1930s: from a-1 'without' + medieval Latin scorbutus 'scurvy' + -ic

ascorbic acid in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of ascorbic acid in the US English dictionary