*sorbic*

a. [ Cf. F. sorbique. See Sorb. ] (Chem.) Pertaining to, or obtained from, the rowan tree, or sorb; specifically, designating an acid, C&unr_;H&unr_;CO&unr_;H, of the acetylene series, found in the unripe berries of this tree, and extracted as a white crystalline substance. [ 1913 Webster ]