myristic acid

[ muh-ris-tik ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. an oily, white crystalline compound, C 1 4 H 2 8 O 2 , insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and ether: used in soaps, cosmetics, and in the synthesis of esters for flavors and perfumes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of myristic acid¹

1840–50; < New Latin Myristica the nutmeg genus (the acid is a constituent of oil derived from nutmeg and related plants) < Greek myristikḗ, feminine of myristikós fragrant, akin to mýron perfume, unguent

Example Sentences

The greater part of the product consists of the inodorous myristic acid, the chief odour-bearing constituent being irone.

From Project Gutenberg