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pyruvic acid

noun
py·​ru·​vic acid | \ pÄ«-ˈrü-vik- How to pronounce pyruvic acid (audio) \

Definition of pyruvic acid

: 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

 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, "Searching for the Key to Life’s Beginnings," 2 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pyruvic acid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of pyruvic acid

1838, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pyruvic acid

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

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More Definitions for pyruvic acid

pyruvic acid

noun
py·​ru·​vic acid | \ pÄ«-ËŒrü-vik- How to pronounce pyruvic acid (audio) \

Medical Definition of pyruvic acid

: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on pyruvic acid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pyruvic acid

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