lactic acid
noun
: a hygroscopic organic acid C3H6O3 present normally especially in muscle tissue as a by-product of anaerobic glycolysis, produced in carbohydrate matter usually by bacterial fermentation, and used especially in food and medicine and in industry
Examples of lactic acid in a Sentence
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This lightweight cream contains both glycolic acid and lactic acid to remove dead skin cells while glycerin and kalaya oil neutralize irritation, moisturize, and calm inflammation.
—
Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Feb. 2025
Then there is the lactic acid production, ammonia production.
—Simon Mainwaring, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Her potassium and sugar levels dropped while her lactic acid levels rose, indicating possible infection or sepsis.
—Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 10 Jan. 2025
Combined with AHAs like lactic acid, this product eases the look of fine lines and brightens skin quickly but gently, within weeks of use.
—R29 Team, refinery29.com, 29 Jan. 2025
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Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Feb. 2025
Then there is the lactic acid production, ammonia production.
—Simon Mainwaring, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Her potassium and sugar levels dropped while her lactic acid levels rose, indicating possible infection or sepsis.
—Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 10 Jan. 2025
Combined with AHAs like lactic acid, this product eases the look of fine lines and brightens skin quickly but gently, within weeks of use.
—R29 Team, refinery29.com, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lactic acid
Dictionary Entries Near lactic acid
Cite this Entry
“Lactic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactic%20acid. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lactic acid
noun
: a hygroscopic organic acid C3H6O3 that is known in three optically isomeric forms:
a
or D-lactic acid
: the dextrorotatory form present normally in blood and muscle tissue as a product of the anaerobic metabolism of glucose and glycogen
b
or L-lactic acid
: the levorotatory form obtained by biological fermentation of sucrose
c
or DL-lactic acid
: the racemic form present in food products and made usually by bacterial fermentation (as of whey or raw sugar) but also synthetically, and used chiefly in foods and beverages, in medicine, in tanning and dyeing, and in making esters for use as solvents and plasticizers
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