the acid, H 2 CO 3 , formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water, known in the form of its salts and esters, the carbonates.
Origin
1785-95
Examples from the web for carbonic acid
carbonic acid is especially effective at dissolving limestone.
Dissolved in the ocean, it forms carbonic acid which dissolved the calcium shells of oxygen producing phytoplankton.
When sodium hydroxide combines with carbonic acid, they create sodium carbonate.
Rainwater is acidic due mainly to the presence of carbonic acid-a common culprit for lowering the pH of water.
Dissociation of carbonic acid into bicarbonate ions and protons.
The main acid responsible for the formation of cave decorations is called carbonic acid.
British Dictionary definitions for carbonic acid
carbonic acid
noun
1.
a weak acid formed when carbon dioxide combines with water: obtained only in aqueous solutions, never in the pure state. Formula: H2CO3
carbonic acid in Science
carbonic acid
(kär-bŏn'ĭk) A weak, unstable acid present in solutions of carbon dioxide in water. It gives carbonated beverages their sharp taste. Chemical formula: H2CO3.