citric acid /sit″rik/ [Gk, kitron, citron; L, acidus, sour] , a white, crystalline organic acid soluble in water and alcohol. It is extracted from citrus fruits, especially lemons and limes, or obtained by fermentation of sugars and is used as an acidulating agent, an antioxidant, and a flavoring agent in foods, carbonated beverages, and certain pharmaceutic products, especially laxatives. Compare ascorbic acid.
