chinic acid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “chinic acid” mean?
An obsolete term for a specific organic acid (now more commonly known as quinic acid).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An obsolete term for a specific organic acid (now more commonly known as quinic acid).
A crystalline acid, C7H12O6, found in cinchona bark and various plants, historically associated with cinchona and used in the synthesis of certain pharmaceuticals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences exist for this highly technical, obsolete term.
Connotations
Purely historical/technical; no modern connotations.
Frequency
Virtually never used in contemporary English in either region.
Grammar
How to Use “chinic acid” in a Sentence
found in [plant source]derived from [source]known now as [modern term]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
May appear in historical chemistry or pharmacology papers discussing 19th-century science.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Obsolete term; modern texts use 'quinic acid'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chinic acid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chinic acid”
- Confusing it with 'citric acid' or other common acids.
- Using it in modern scientific writing instead of 'quinic acid'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an obsolete term. The modern and universally accepted name is quinic acid.
Only in historical scientific literature, typically from the 19th or early 20th century, discussing cinchona bark or early organic chemistry.
Quinic acid (formerly chinic acid) is one of the acids found in cinchona bark, which is the source of quinine used in tonic water.
You should not. Using the obsolete term would be confusing and imprecise. Always use the standard IUPAC name 'quinic acid'.
An obsolete term for a specific organic acid (now more commonly known as quinic acid).
Chinic acid is usually technical/historical in register.
Chinic acid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɪnɪk ˈasɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɪnɪk ˈæsɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Chinic sounds like 'cinchona' (the bark it was found in); think: CHINchona -> CHINic acid.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable for this technical term.
Practice
Quiz
What is the modern common name for chinic acid?