\Ma"lic\, a. [L. malum an apple: cf. F. malique.] (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or obtained from, apples; as, malic acid.
{Malic acid}, a hydroxy acid obtained as a substance which is
   sirupy or crystallized with difficulty, and has a strong
   but pleasant sour taste. It occurs in many fruits, as in
   green apples, currants, etc. It is levorotatory or
   dextrorotatory according to the temperature and
   concentration. An artificial variety is a derivative of
   succinic acid, but has no action on polarized light, and
   thus malic acid is a remarkable case of physical
   isomerism.