- Pertaining to, or designating, an acid found in many kinds
of grapes. It is also obtained from tartaric acid, with which it is
isomeric, and from sugar, gum, etc., by oxidation. It is a sour white
crystalline substance, consisting of a combination of dextrorotatory
and levorotatory tartaric acids.
- Aerated salt; a white crystalline substance having an
alkaline taste and reaction, consisting of sodium bicarbonate (see
under Sodium.) It is largely used in cooking, with sour milk (lactic
acid) or cream of tartar as a substitute for yeast. It is also an
ingredient of most baking powders, and is used in the preparation of
effervescing drinks.
- Whisky manufacture - The act of falling in drops, or the act of pouring
out in drops. - That which falls in drops. - The separation of the volatile parts of a substance
from the more fixed; specifically, the operation of driving off gas or
vapor from volatile liquids or solids, by heat in a retort or still,
and the condensation of the products as far as possible by a cool
receiver, alembic, or condenser; rectification; vaporization;
condensation; as, the distillation of illuminating gas and coal, of
alcohol from sour mash, or of boric acid in steam. - The substance extracted by distilling.