itaconic acid

noun

it·a·con·ic acid ˌi-tə-ˈkä-nik-

: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C₅H₆O₄ obtained usually by fermentation of sugars with molds (genus Aspergillus) and used as a monomer for polymers and polyesters

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, anagram of aconitic acid, C₃H₃(COOH)₃, from aconite

First Known Use

circa 1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of itaconic acid was circa 1872

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Itaconic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/itaconic%20acid. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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