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.
See salicylic acid in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(sălˌĭ-sĭlˈĭk)
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.