lauric acid
noun Chemistry.
a white, crystalline, water-insoluble powder, C12H24O2, a fatty acid occurring as the glyceride in many vegetable fats, especially coconut oil and laurel oil: used chiefly in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and lauryl alcohol.
Also called
dodecanoic acid.
Origin of lauric acid
First recorded in 1870–75
Words nearby lauric acid
laurentian shield,
laurentides park,
laurentius,
lauretta,
lauric,
lauric acid,
lauric aldehyde,
laurie,
laurier,
laurinburg,
lauroyl
British Dictionary definitions for lauric acid
Word Origin for lauric acid
C19: from Latin
laurus laurel; from its occurrence in the berries of the laurel (
Laurus nobilis)
Medical definitions for lauric acid
lauric acid
[ lôr′ĭk ]
n.
A fatty acid occurring in laurel, coconut, and palm oils.
Scientific definitions for lauric acid
lauric acid
[ lôr′ĭk ]
A saturated fatty acid obtained chiefly from coconut and laurel oils and used in making soaps, cosmetics, esters, and lauryl alcohol. It is combustible and forms colorless needles that have waxy odor and taste. Chemical formula: C12H24O2.