myristic acid

[ muh-ris-tik ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of myristic acid¹

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

It's not clear how myristic acid and its fellow molecules signal the start of heart growth, but Leinwand suspects that the cardiac tissue fuels its expansion by burning through the nutrients.

From Science Magazine

In fact, the snakes' blood oozed with three types of these dietary molecules—including myristic acid, a common ingredient in many animal fats and other reptile foods—in specific ratios.

From Science Magazine