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salicylic acid

(sal′ə sil′ik)

a white, crystalline compound, HOCHCOOH, prepared from salicin or phenol and used in the manufacture of aspirin, as a food preservative and mild antiseptic, etc.

Origin: salicyl (radical of the acid) < Fr salicyle < L salix (see salicin) + Fr -yle, -yl + -ic

See salicylic acid in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A white crystalline acid, C₆H₄(OH)(COOH), used in making aspirin, as a preservative, and in the external treatment of skin conditions such as eczema.

Origin:

Origin: From French salicyle, the radical of salicylic acid

Origin: , from salicine, salicin; see salicin

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