citrate etymology

Etymology:

The word "citrate" originates from the Latin word "citrus," meaning "lemon tree," and the suffix "-ate," which denotes a salt or ester of an acid.

Meaning:

A citrate is an organic salt or ester formed from the reaction of citric acid with a base (such as sodium or potassium). Specifically, it refers to the anion (negative ion) of citric acid, which has a chemical formula of C₆H₅O₇³⁻.

Origin:

Citric acid, the parent acid of citrates, was first isolated from lemon juice in the 8th century by the Arab alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan. However, it was not until the 19th century that scientists discovered that citric acid could form salts with metals. In 1838, the French chemist Jean-Baptiste Dumas first coined the term "citrate" to describe these salts.

Historical Uses:

Citrates have been known for their various properties throughout history. In traditional medicine, they were used as laxatives and diuretics. In the food industry, they have been employed as preservatives and flavor enhancers. Today, citrates remain widely used in a variety of applications:

  • Food industry: Preservatives (e.g., sodium citrate in canned goods), flavor enhancers, acidity regulators
  • Pharmaceuticals: Antacids, buffers, anticoagulants
  • Industrial: Stabilizers, detergents, cleaning agents

citrate relate terms

  • citric

    Etymology Latin citrus Proto Indo European s kewr̥o sharp Meaning A type o

  • citrus

    Etymology From Latin citrus meaning citron tree or citrus fruit From Greek kitrio

  • last

    Etymology Middle English laste latest from Old English læst least lowest smalles

  • salt

    Etymology Old English sealt Proto Germanic saltaz Proto Indo European sal salty

  • slat

    Etymology The word slat is derived from the Old English word slæt which means a s

  • runt

    Etymology The word runt is thought to have originated from the Middle English word run

  • turn

    Etymology The word turn comes from the Old English word turnian meaning to cause to

  • terse

    Terse Etymology From Latin tersus meaning wiped clean neat Meaning Concise

  • steer

    Etymology The word steer comes from the Old English word steor which is related to t

  • ester

    Etymology The word ester is derived from the German word Essigäther meaning vinega

  • reset

    Etymology The word reset has its roots in the Middle English word resetten which mea

  • diabetes

    Etymology Greek dia through bētēs passing through Meaning A chronic meta