myristic acid

American  

[muh-ris-tik] / məˈrɪs tɪk /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of myristic acid

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

Melting point, 35-45° C., usually 40-45° C.; free acidity, calculated as myristic acid, 50-80 per cent.; ester, calculated as combined myristic acid, 4-10 per cent.

From The Handbook of Soap Manufacture by Simmons, W. H.

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

From The Handbook of Soap Manufacture by Simmons, W. H.