ˈsi.trik-, -ēk- noun
Etymology: citric International Scientific Vocabulary citr- + -ic
: a colorless crystalline or white powdery tricarboxylic acid HOOCCH 2 C(OH)COOHCH 2 COOH that has a pleasant acid taste, occurs widely in plants (as citrus fruits), is extracted from lemon and lime juices or obtained by fermentation of sugars, and is used as a flavoring agent in foods, carbonated beverages, and pharmaceuticals