definitions

abietic acid

[ ab-ee-et-ik, ab- ]
/ ˈæb iˈɛt ɪk, ˌæb- /

noun Chemistry.

a yellow, crystalline, water-insoluble acid, C20H30O2, obtained from the resin of a species of pine: used chiefly in driers, varnishes, and soaps.

RELATED CONTENT

Y.E.S: These Words Are AcronymsMaybe you already knew RADAR actually stands for "radio detecting and ranging," but what about these other acronyms hiding in your everyday speech?
READ MORE
What Does 🍉 Watermelon Emoji Mean?The watermelon emoji depicts a large slice of watermelon, with luscious red flesh dotted with black seeds, cradled by a green rind. Yum.
READ MORE

Nearby words

abiding, abidjan, abie, abient, abietate, abietic acid, abigail, abihu, abilene, ability, ability grouping

Origin of abietic acid

1860–65; < Latin abiet- (stem of abiēs) fir + -ic
Also called sylvic acid.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for abietic acid

abietic acid

/ (ˌæbɪˈɛtɪk) /

noun

a yellowish powder occurring naturally as a constituent of rosin and used in lacquers, varnishes, and soap. Formula: C 19 H 29 COOH; melting pt: 173°C

Word Origin for abietic acid

C19: abietic, from Latin abiēt-, from abiēs silver fir (the acid originally being extracted from the resin)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012