maleic acid
noun
ma·le·ic acid mə-ˈlē-ik- 
-ˈlā-
: a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C4H4O4 that is isomeric with fumaric acid and is used especially in organic synthesis
Word History
Etymology
French acide maléique, alteration of acide malique malic acid; from its formation by dehydration of malic acid
First Known Use
1838, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
maleic acid
noun
ma·le·ic acid mə-ˌlē-ik- -ˌlā-
-ˌlā- : a crystalline dicarboxylic acid C4H4O4 that is isomeric with fumaric acid and is used especially in organic synthesis