aspirin

American  

[as-per-in, -prin] / ˈæs pər ɪn, -prɪn /

noun

plural

aspirin, aspirins

1. Pharmacology. a white, crystalline substance, C 9 H 8 O 4 , derivative of salicylic acid, used as an anti-inflammatory agent and to relieve the pain of headache, rheumatism, gout, neuralgia, etc.; acetylsalicylic acid.

2. an aspirin tablet.

   I took two aspirin and went right to bed.

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aspirin British  

/ ˈæsprɪn /

noun

1. Chemical name: acetylsalicylic acid.  a white crystalline compound widely used in the form of tablets to relieve pain and fever, to reduce inflammation, and to prevent strokes. Formula: CH 3 COOC 6 H 4 COOH

2. a tablet of aspirin

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aspirin Scientific  

/ ăs′pər-ĭn,ăs′prĭn /

1. A white crystalline compound derived from salicylic acid and used in medicine to relieve fever and pain and as an anticoagulant. Also called acetylsalicylic acid. Chemical formula: C ₉ H ₈ O ₄ .

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Closer Look

Ninety percent of the population experiences at least one headache each year. The most common type is a tension headache, which is caused by stress and is characterized by tightening of the muscles in the base of the neck and along the scalp. Aspirin alleviates headaches by blocking the body's production of prostaglandins, hormones that contribute to pain by stimulating muscle contraction and blood vessel dilation. For thousands of years, people chewed the bark of willow trees to control headache and other pain. The study of the properties of this medicinal plant led German chemist Hermann Kolbe to synthesize acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), a building block of aspirin, in 1859. A pure form of ASA wasn't prepared until 1897, by Felix Hoffman, a chemist in the Bayer chemical factory in Germany. After publication of successful clinical trials, aspirin was distributed in powder form in 1899 and as a tablet in 1900. Aspirin possesses a number of properties that make it one of the most recommended drugs. Besides being an analgesic, or pain reliever, it also reduces inflammation that often accompanies injuries or diseases, such as arthritis. It is also an antipyretic compound, or fever reducer. Aspirin is the only over-the-counter analgesic approved for prevention of cardiovascular disease. New research suggests that aspirin may also decrease the risk of some forms of stroke. Additional studies indicate that aspirin may play a role in reducing the risks of ovarian cancer.

Etymology

Origin of aspirin

First recorded in 1899; originally a German trademark, equivalent to A(cetyl) + Spir(säure) “salicylic acid” + -in noun suffix; acetyl, spirea, -in ²

Explanation

Aspirin is a medicine you might take when you have a headache. You can buy aspirin at a drug store, supermarket, or convenience store. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug — it reduces pain, swelling, and fever. Some people take aspirin in very small amounts to reduce the risk of having a stroke or heart attack, and since the late 1800s people have taken it to ease the pain of head and body aches. The word aspirin, coined by a German chemist, was originally a trademarked brand name, from the Latin Spiraea, the plant from which aspirin's chemicals were originally extracted.

Example Sentences

She explained aspirin played a critical role for millions of patients with cardiovascular conditions and was baffled at the shortage which has been ongoing since late last year.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

A pensioner with heart issues believes an ongoing nationwide aspirin shortage could be putting his life at risk.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Avoid taking painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, according to the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

The researchers also found strong evidence that daily aspirin increases the risk of serious extracranial hemorrhage and likely raises the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

“Give him aspirin to keep his fever down. But other than that, he just needs to stay in bed and rest.”

From Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm

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