gluconic acid
noun
glu·con·ic acid
(ˌ)glü-ˈkä-nik- 
: a crystalline acid C6H12O7 obtained by oxidation of glucose
Examples of gluconic acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An enzyme called glucose oxidase, which bees add to nectar, turns glucose into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide when the honey is diluted (for example, by wound moisture or saliva).
—
New Atlas, 29 June 2025
According to Smithsonian Magazine, bees have an enzyme in their stomachs called glucose oxidase, which mixes with nectar and breaks down into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide.
—USA TODAY, 28 June 2023
Another enzyme goes to work — glucose oxidase — which converts some of the glucose into gluconic acid that will help preserve the honey.
—Berly McCoy, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2021
Instead of gluconolactone, for example, the ingredient may be listed as gluconic acid, zinc gluconate, or copper gluconate.
—Sarah Jacoby, SELF, 2 Aug. 2019
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
New Atlas, 29 June 2025
According to Smithsonian Magazine, bees have an enzyme in their stomachs called glucose oxidase, which mixes with nectar and breaks down into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide.
—USA TODAY, 28 June 2023
Another enzyme goes to work — glucose oxidase — which converts some of the glucose into gluconic acid that will help preserve the honey.
—Berly McCoy, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2021
Instead of gluconolactone, for example, the ingredient may be listed as gluconic acid, zinc gluconate, or copper gluconate.
—Sarah Jacoby, SELF, 2 Aug. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Gluconic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gluconic%20acid. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
gluconic acid
noun
glu·con·ic acid
(ˌ)glü-ˌkän-ik-
: a crystalline acid C6H12O7 obtained by oxidation of glucose and used chiefly in cleaning metals and as the source of its salts some of which are used medicinally see gluconate
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share