palmitic acid
noun Chemistry.
a white, crystalline, water-insoluble solid, C16H32O2, obtained by hydrolysis from palm oil and natural fats, in which it occurs as the glyceride, and from spermaceti: used in the manufacture of soap.
Also called
cetylic acid,
hexadecanoic acid.
Origin of palmitic acid
First recorded in 1855–60
Words nearby palmitic acid
palmic,
palmira,
palmistry,
palmitate,
palmitic,
palmitic acid,
palmitin,
palmitoleic acid,
palmoplantar keratoderma,
palmtop,
palmtop computer
British Dictionary definitions for palmitic acid
palmitic acid
/ (pælˈmɪtɪk) /
noun
a white crystalline solid that is a saturated fatty acid: used in the manufacture of soap and candles. Formula: (C 15 H 31)COOH
Systematic name: hexadecanoic acid
Word Origin for palmitic acid
C19: from French
palmitique; see
palm ²,
-ite ²,
-ic
Medical definitions for palmitic acid
palmitic acid
[ păl-mĭt′ĭk, päl-, pä-mĭt′- ]
n.
A saturated fatty acid occurring in palm oil and other fats.
hexadecanoic acid
Scientific definitions for palmitic acid
palmitic acid
[ păl-mĭt′ĭk, päl-, pä-mĭt′- ]
A saturated fatty acid occurring as combustible white crystals in many natural oils (such as spermaceti and palm oil) and fats. It is used in making soaps. Chemical formula: C16H32O2.