cinnamic acid


noun Chemistry.

a white, crystalline, water-insoluble powder, C9H8O2, usually obtained from cinnamon or synthesized: used chiefly in the manufacture of perfumes and medicines.

Origin of cinnamic acid

First recorded in 1880–85

British Dictionary definitions for cinnamic acid

cinnamic acid
/ (sɪˈnæmɪk) /

noun

a white crystalline water-insoluble weak organic acid existing in two isomeric forms; 3-phenylpropenoic acid. The trans- form occurs naturally and its esters are used in perfumery. Formula: C 6 H 5 CH:CHCOOH

Word Origin for cinnamic acid

C19: from cinnam ( on) + -ic; from its being found in cinnamon oil

Scientific definitions for cinnamic acid

cinnamic acid
[ sə-nămĭk ]

A white crystalline organic acid obtained from cinnamon or from balsams, or made synthetically. It is used to manufacture perfumery compounds. Chemical formula: C9H8O2.