ascorbic acid

2,3-didehydro-L-threo-hexono-1,4-lactone; used in preventing scurvy, as a strong reducing agent, and as an antioxidant in foodstuffs. Syn: antiscorbutic vitamin, cevitamic acid, vitamin C.

Origin

[G. a- priv. + Mod.L. scorbutus, scurvy, fr. Germanic]