An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An organic acid with general chemical formula C₄H₆O₆ that exists in four isomeric forms . The common form, d-tartaric acid, obtained from → tartar, is a white, soluble, crystalline solid. It occurs naturally in many plants, particularly in grapes, bananas, and tamarinds. It is also one of the main acids found in wine.

See also: Tartaric, from → tartar; → acid.