What is "quinic acid"

n. (context organic compound English) A white crystalline acid, ''tetrahydroxy-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid'', obtained from cinchona bark and coffee beans; used as an astringent, and in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals

Quinic acid is a cyclitol, a cyclic polyol, and a cyclohexanecarboxylic acid. It is a crystalline acid obtained from cinchona bark, coffee beans, and other plant products and made synthetically by hydrolysis of chlorogenic acid. Quinic acid is also implicated in the perceived acidity of coffee. It is a constituent of the tara tannins.