salicylic
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of salicylic
1830–40; < French salicyl the diatomic radical of salicylic acid (< Latin salic-, stem of salix willow + French -yl -yl; it was originally derived from salicin) + -ic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Materials that change phase to absorb heat, like wax or salicylic acid, usually from solid to liquid, then return to normal when the temperature is reduced.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
The BBC sent ingredients lists of two BHA 2% salicylic acid toners with similar packaging to Dr Bhate.
From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025
For the new study, the researchers used this approach to develop a sensor that can detect salicylic acid, a molecule that is involved in regulating many aspects of plant growth, development, and response to stress.
From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2024
The molasses-like material also contains salicylic acid, or aspirin, which can alleviate pain.
From National Geographic • Nov. 15, 2023
Because willow bark contains salicylic acid, a pain reliever.
From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
