salicylic acid

American  

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, very slightly water-soluble powder, C 7 H 6 O 3 , 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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salicylic acid British  

/ ˌsælɪˈsɪlɪk /

noun

1. 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)

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salicylic acid Scientific  

/ săl′ĭ-sĭl′ĭk /

1. 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: C ₇ H ₆ O ₃ .

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Etymology

Origin of salicylic acid

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

salicylic acid

For milder forms of face acne, dermatologists may recommend face washes or creams containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinoids such as adapalene.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026

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

Because willow bark contains salicylic acid, a pain reliever.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan