salicylic acid

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noun Chemistry, Pharmacology.

a white, crystalline, very slightly water-soluble powder, C7H6O3, prepared from salicin or phenol: used as a food preservative, in the manufacture of aspirin, and in medicine chiefly in the form of a salicylate as a remedy for rheumatic and gouty conditions.

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Origin of salicylic acid

First recorded in 1830–40

Words nearby salicylic acid

Salic law, salicornia, salicylaldehyde, salicylate, salicylic, salicylic acid, salience, saliency, salient, salientian, Salieri

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use salicylic acid in a sentence

This sumptuous scrub from Sunday Riley is packed with clarifying ingredients like charcoal and salicylic acid.
Skincare gifts that are actually worth the splurge|Rachel Feltman|November 18, 2021|Popular-Science
For oily skins she recommends cleansers with salicylic acid, though these may be too harsh for patients with dry or sensitive skin.
Mask up without breaking out. Here’s how to prevent pandemic acne.|Sandra Gutierrez G.|December 3, 2020|Popular-Science
Further examination indicated the presence of salicylic acid, a gummy material, having the properties of tragacanth and glycerin.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2|Various
Then add a drop of ferric chlorid solution, and a violet color will be produced if salicylic acid is present.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants|Edwin M. Bruce

Formaldehyde, boric acid or salicylic acid may be added to preserve the milk.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants|Edwin M. Bruce
A purple or violet coloration proves the presence of salicylic acid, which in turn indicates the presence of saccharin.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants|Edwin M. Bruce
This test cannot be used if salicylic acid was used as a preservative in the original product.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants|Edwin M. Bruce

British Dictionary definitions for salicylic acid

salicylic acid

/ (ˌsælɪˈsɪlɪk) /

noun

a white crystalline slightly water-soluble substance with a sweet taste and bitter aftertaste, used in the manufacture of aspirin, dyes, and perfumes, and as a fungicide. Formula: C 6 H 4 (OH)(COOH)

Word Origin for salicylic acid

C19: from salicyl (via French from Latin salix a willow + -yl) + -ic

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for salicylic acid

salicylic acid

[ săl′ĭ-sĭl′ĭk ]

A white, crystalline acid used to make aspirin, to treat certain skin conditions, and to preserve and flavor foods. Salicylic acid is benzoic acid with a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to the carboxyl group (COOH). Chemical formula: C7H6O3.