carboxylic acid

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any organic acid containing one or more carboxyl groups.

carboxylic acid

/ ˌkɑːbɒkˈsɪlɪk /

noun

1. any of a class of organic acids containing the carboxyl group See also fatty acid

carboxylic acid

/ kär′bŏk-sĭl′ĭk /

1. An organic acid containing one or more carboxyl groups. Carboxylic acids often have names ending in –oic acid, such as benzoic acid. Amino acids, fatty acids, and many other important organic compounds are carboxylic acids.

Word History and Origins

Origin of carboxylic acid¹

First recorded in 1900–05; carboxyl + -ic

Example Sentences

These previously uncharacterized acid sulfuric anhydride products are almost certainly key contributors to atmospheric new particle formation and a way to efficiently incorporate carboxylic acids into atmospheric nanoparticles.

From Science Daily

They also tweaked a carboxylic acid group at the bottom of the molecule, speeding up how quickly the antifungal removed ergosterols.

From Science Magazine

As has been found in previous studies, more mosquitoes seemed to prefer people whose scent contained a blend of carboxylic acids, the oily secretions that hydrate and protect our skin.

From Science Magazine

The study didn’t answer why some people have more carboxylic acids on their skin than others.

From Washington Post

Humans release carboxylic acids at much higher levels than most animals, De Obaldia adds, though the amount varies from person to person.

From Scientific American