# lactic

/ˈɫæktɪk/ (US) · /lˈæktɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lactic
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

relating to milk or the acid that builds up in your muscles when you exercise hard.

For teachers: relating to milk or the acid produced in muscle tissue during anaerobic respiration. Often used in medical or biological contexts to describe specific chemical properties.

## Examples

- The doctor tested the sample for lactic acid.
- After a long run, the buildup of lactic acid in his legs caused a sharp, burning pain.
- The fermentation process converts the natural sugars in the milk into lactic acid, which gives the final product its characteristic tangy flavor and thick texture.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.