a. Chem. [Formed arbitrarily, with regard mainly to euphony, on asparagus.] Of or pertaining to asparagine: esp. in Aspartic acid, C4H7NO4, produced by the action of alkalis or acids on asparagine. Aspartate, a combination of aspartic acid with a base.
1847. in Craig.
1863. Watts, Dict. Chem., I. 424. Aspartic acid is monobasic…. The aspartates of the alkali-metals are soluble, and taste like broth.
