glycolic acid

or glycollic acid


noun

a colorless, crystalline, water-soluble powder, C2H4O3, that is a major substrate for photorespiration in plants: used chiefly for textile printing and dyeing and in pesticides.
Also called hydroxyacetic acid.

Origin of glycolic acid

First recorded in 1850–55

British Dictionary definitions for glycolic acid

glycolic acid

noun

a colourless crystalline soluble hygroscopic compound found in sugar cane and sugar beet: used in tanning and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, adhesives, and plasticizers; hydroxyacetic acid. Formula: CH 2 (OH)COOH

Medical definitions for glycolic acid

glycolic acid
[ glī-kŏlĭk ]

n.

A colorless crystalline compound found in sugar beets, cane sugar, and unripe grapes that is used in pharmaceuticals and pesticides.

Scientific definitions for glycolic acid

glycolic acid
[ glī-kŏlĭk ]

A colorless crystalline compound that occurs naturally in sugar beets and sugarcane. It is used in leather dyeing and tanning, and in making pharmaceuticals, pesticides, adhesives, and plasticizers. Chemical formula: C2H4O3.