cetyl alcohol

[ seet-l ]
/ ˈsit l /

noun

a white, crystalline, water-insoluble solid, C16H34O, used chiefly as an emollient in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Also ce·tyl·ic al·cohol [si-til-ik] /sɪˈtɪl ɪk/.
Also called ethal.

Origin of cetyl alcohol

1870–75; cet- + -yl (so called because some of its compounds are found in spermaceti)

Words nearby cetyl alcohol

Scientific definitions for cetyl alcohol

cetyl alcohol
[ sētl ]

A waxy alcohol used in lubricants, detergents, cosmetics, and emulsifiers. Chemical formula: C16H34O.