n. A crystalline organic acid, the trans-isomer of C4H4O4, found in various plants and produced synthetically and used mainly in resins, paints, varnishes, and inks, and as a flavoring and a mordant. [From New Latin Fūmāria, genus of herbaceous plants (from Late Latin fūmāria, fumitory, from Latin fūmus, smoke) + -IC.] |
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