salicylic acid


noun Chemistry, Pharmacology.

a white, crystalline, very slightly water-soluble powder, C7H6O3, prepared from salicin or phenol: used as a food preservative, in the manufacture of aspirin, and in medicine chiefly in the form of a salicylate as a remedy for rheumatic and gouty conditions.

Origin of salicylic acid

First recorded in 1830–40

British Dictionary definitions for salicylic acid

salicylic acid
/ (ˌsælɪˈsɪlɪk) /

noun

a white crystalline slightly water-soluble substance with a sweet taste and bitter aftertaste, used in the manufacture of aspirin, dyes, and perfumes, and as a fungicide. Formula: C 6 H 4 (OH)(COOH)

Word Origin for salicylic acid

C19: from salicyl (via French from Latin salix a willow + -yl) + -ic

Medical definitions for salicylic acid

salicylic acid
[ săl′ĭ-sĭlĭk ]

n.

A white crystalline acid used in making aspirin and in the topical treatment of skin conditions such as eczema.

Scientific definitions for salicylic acid

salicylic acid
[ săl′ĭ-sĭlĭk ]

A white, crystalline acid used to make aspirin, to treat certain skin conditions, and to preserve and flavor foods. Salicylic acid is benzoic acid with a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to the carboxyl group (COOH). Chemical formula: C7H6O3.