aspirin

American  

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

noun

aspirins plural

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; see 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

"Preventative counseling was provided, including guidance on diet, recommendation to take a low-dose aspirin, increased physical activity, and continued weight loss," it said.

From Barron's • May 30, 2026

His memo stated that, as well as aspirin, Trump is taking two cholesterol control drugs.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

The White House has attributed the marks on his hand to the aspirin he takes as part of a "standard" cardiovascular health regimen.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

Today, one aspirin a day reduces the risk of a second heart attack by an average of 20% for millions of Americans each year.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

I locked the door and washed Helena’s face and hands, gave her one of the antibiotics and an aspirin, and tucked her into my bed.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron

Related Words

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