abietic acid

[ab-ee-et-ik, ab-]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a yellow, crystalline, water-insoluble acid, C 20 H 30 O 2 , obtained from the resin of a species of pine: used chiefly in driers, varnishes, and soaps.

abietic acid

/ ˌæbɪˈɛtɪk /

noun

1. 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 History and Origins

Origin of abietic acid¹

1860–65; < Latin abiet- (stem of abiēs ) fir + -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of abietic acid¹

C19: abietic, from Latin abiēt-, from abiēs silver fir (the acid originally being extracted from the resin)

Example Sentences

Of or pertaining to the fir tree or its products; as, abietic acid, called also sylvic acid.

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