TARTARIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
-
Tartaric acid is a naturally-occurring organic acid derived from grapes or other fruits, which plays a significant role in winemaking and food production. It is a white, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and has a sour taste. Chemically, it is classified as a dicarboxylic acid, meaning it contains two carboxylic acid groups.
In winemaking, tartaric acid serves various purposes. It helps in adjusting the acidity levels of the wine, playing a crucial role in flavor balancing and preservation. Additionally, it prevents the formation of potassium bitartrate crystals, commonly known as wine diamonds, which are considered undesirable in bottled wine.
Aside from its application in winemaking, tartaric acid is widely used in the food industry as an additive and flavor enhancer. Its sour taste makes it a popular ingredient in many commercial food products, including candies, soft drinks, fruit jellies, and gelatin desserts.
Moreover, tartaric acid also finds applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. It acts as an antioxidant and chelating agent, binding to metal ions and preventing their detrimental effects in various products.
Overall, tartaric acid is a versatile compound with numerous applications across different industries. Its natural occurrence, coupled with its ability to regulate acidity and enhance flavors, make it a widely-utilized ingredient in various food and beverage products.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TARTARIC ACID
- rartaric acid
- fartaric acid
- gartaric acid
- yartaric acid
- 6artaric acid
- 5artaric acid
- tzrtaric acid
- tsrtaric acid
- twrtaric acid
- tqrtaric acid
- taetaric acid
- tadtaric acid
- taftaric acid
- tattaric acid
- ta5taric acid
- ta4taric acid
- tarraric acid
- tarfaric acid
- targaric acid
Etymology of TARTARIC ACID
The word "tartaric" is derived from its original source, which is "tartar", referring to a harsh, salt-like deposit that forms on the inside of wine barrels during fermentation. This deposit, also known as "wine lees", is composed of several substances, including tartaric acid. The term "tartar" itself has a complex etymology. It originated from the Arabic word "tartar", meaning a plant salt or "atratūr", signifying a salt deposit. It then evolved into Latin as "tartarus", and later referred to substances derived from that deposit. Eventually, the term "tartar" was used to describe the specific substance we now know as tartaric acid.
Similar spelling words for TARTARIC ACID
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
