phthalic acid Hear it!

phthalic acid definition

phthalic acid (t̸hal′ik, ft̸hal′-)

any of three isomeric acids, CH(COOH), esp. one (ortho-phthalic acid) obtained by oxidation of naphthalene or xylene and used in the manufacture of dyes, medicines, etc.

Etymology: (na)phthal(ene) + -ic

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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