hippuric acid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “hippuric acid” mean?
An organic acid (C₆H₅CONHCH₂COOH) found in the urine of herbivores and in small amounts in human urine, formed from the combination of benzoic acid and glycine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organic acid (C₆H₅CONHCH₂COOH) found in the urine of herbivores and in small amounts in human urine, formed from the combination of benzoic acid and glycine.
In biochemistry and medicine, hippuric acid serves as a biomarker for certain metabolic processes and toxicology tests, as it's involved in the detoxification and excretion of aromatic compounds like benzoic acid.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions for related scientific text may follow respective regional norms (e.g., 'colour' vs. 'color' in surrounding text).
Connotations
None beyond its strict scientific definition.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside specific scientific fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “hippuric acid” in a Sentence
The measurement of hippuric acidHippuric acid is excretedHippuric acid levels indicateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hippuric acid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hippuric acid levels were elevated.
- A hippuric acid synthesis pathway.
American English
- The hippuric acid test results are pending.
- Hippuric acid excretion is a detoxification mechanism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in research papers and textbooks on biochemistry, physiology, and environmental toxicology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Common term in clinical pathology labs (e.g., for liver or kidney function tests) and in research on xenobiotic metabolism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hippuric acid”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hippuric acid”
- Misspelling as 'hipuric', 'hippic', or 'hippocratic acid'. Incorrect stress placement on the first syllable (/ˈhɪp.../) instead of the second (/hɪˈp.../).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a normal, non-toxic metabolic by-product excreted in urine. Its presence indicates active detoxification.
The name comes from the Greek 'hippos' (horse) because it was first isolated and crystallised from horse urine in the 19th century.
It is synthesised primarily in the liver and the kidneys through the conjugation of benzoic acid with the amino acid glycine.
Primarily in occupational health to monitor exposure to industrial chemicals like toluene or styrene, or in specialised tests of liver or kidney function.
An organic acid (C₆H₅CONHCH₂COOH) found in the urine of herbivores and in small amounts in human urine, formed from the combination of benzoic acid and glycine.
Hippuric acid is usually technical/scientific in register.
Hippuric acid: in British English it is pronounced /hɪˈpjʊərɪk ˈæsɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɪˈpjʊrɪk ˈæsɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HIPPO (from Greek 'hippos' for horse) taking a PEE (urine) that is ACIDIC. 'Hippuric Acid' was first found in horse urine.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary biological significance of hippuric acid?