barbituric acid

noun

1. a white, crystalline, slightly water-soluble powder, C 4 H 4 N 2 O 3 , used chiefly in the synthesis of barbiturates.

barbituric acid

/ ˌbɑːbɪˈtjʊərɪk /

noun

1. a white crystalline solid used in the preparation of barbiturate drugs. Formula: C 4 H 4 N 2 O 3 Systematic name2,4,6-trioxypyrimidine Also calledmalonylurea

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbituric acid¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbituric acid¹

C19: partial translation of German Barbitursäure , perhaps from the name Barbara + uric + Säure acid

Example Sentences

It is the sodium salt of the more or less favorably known hypnotic, Veronal (diethyl-barbituric acid).

From Project Gutenberg