Acetic Acid

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A synthetic carboxylic acid with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Although its mechanism of action is not fully known, undissociated acetic acid may enhance lipid solubility allowing increased fatty acid accumulation on the cell membrane or in other cell wall structures. Acetic acid, as a weak acid, can inhibit carbohydrate metabolism resulting in subsequent death of the organism.

**Synonyms:** - ACETIC ACID - Acetic Acid, Glacial - Glacial Acetic Acid - acetic acid