a colourless or white odourless crystalline water-soluble dicarboxylic acid existing in four stereoisomeric forms, the commonest being the dextrorotatory (d-) compound which is found in many fruits: used as a food additive (E334) in soft drinks, confectionery, and baking powders and in tanning and photography. Formula: HOOCCH(OH)CH(OH)COOH
Systematic name: 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid
tartaric acid in American English
an acid, HOOC(CHOH)2COOH, a clear, colorless crystal or a white, crystalline powder, found in vegetable tissues and fruit juices and obtained commercially from tartar: it is used in dyeing, photography, medicine, etc.