Oxalic
/ɒkˈsæl.ɪk/noun
Relating to oxalic acid, a naturally occurring organic acid found in plants such as sorrel and rhubarb.
Did you know?Oxalic acid was named after sorrel because the plant’s sharp, sour taste comes partly from its oxalates, compounds that can crystallize as calcium oxalate—the chief material in many kidney stones.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂eḱ-
“Sharp or pointed; a reconstructed root associated with later words for sharpness and sourness.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
oxys
“Sharp, keen, or sour.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
oxalis
“Sorrel, literally a “sour” plant.”
17th Century
New Latin
Oxalis
“The botanical genus containing sorrel and related plants.”
18th Century
English
oxalic acid
“The acid obtained from or associated with sorrel and other plants.”
Modern English
English
oxalic
“Relating to oxalic acid or its salts.”