pyruvic acid

noun

py·​ru·​vic acid pī-ˈrü-vik- How to pronounce pyruvic acid (audio)
: a 3-carbon acid C3H4O3 that in carbohydrate metabolism is an important intermediate product formed especially during glycolysis

Examples of pyruvic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An entirely different set of compounds—combining unstable sulfonic acids and ammonia and pyruvic acid—produce the pungent flavor and smell. Mark Kurlansky, Bon Appétit, 6 Nov. 2023 The sweet flavor isn't due to higher quantities of sugar but to fewer chemical compounds of pyruvic acid and sulfur compounds that normally make onions sharp. Silvia Marchetti, CNN, 8 Oct. 2022 Pigment-specific peels, like pyruvic acid, are recommended since studies have shown this ingredient is specifically effective for diminishing hyperpigmentation. Julie Ricevuto, Allure, 22 Oct. 2020 For example, carbonaceous chondrites—some of the oldest rocks in the solar system—were recently found to harbor pyruvic acid, which is essential for metabolism. David W. Brown, Smithsonian, 2 July 2018

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary pyr- + Latin uva grapes; from its importance in fermentation — more at uvula

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyruvic acid was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near pyruvic acid

Cite this Entry

“Pyruvic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyruvic%20acid. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pyruvic acid

noun
py·​ru·​vic acid pī-ˌrü-vik- How to pronounce pyruvic acid (audio)
: an acid that can be formed from either glucose or glycogen and is an important chemical in the production of energy from food in animals

Medical Definition

pyruvic acid

noun
py·​ru·​vic acid pī-ˌrü-vik- How to pronounce pyruvic acid (audio)
: a 3-carbon acid C3H4O3 that is an intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism and can be formed either from glucose after phosphorylation or from glycogen by glycolysis

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