What is "sorbic"

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

1815, in sorbic acid, so called because it was first isolated from the berries of the mountain ash (see sorb).

a. 1 Of, or relating to the rowan tree (the sorb). 2 (context chemistry English) Of, or derived from sorbic acid.