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salicylic acid

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.


salicylic acid

/ 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)


salicylic acid

/ săl′ĭ-sĭlĭk /

  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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Word History and Origins

Origin of salicylic acid1

First recorded in 1830–40

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Word History and Origins

Origin of salicylic acid1

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

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Example Sentences

This sumptuous scrub from Sunday Riley is packed with clarifying ingredients like charcoal and salicylic acid.

For oily skins she recommends cleansers with salicylic acid, though these may be too harsh for patients with dry or sensitive skin.

Further examination indicated the presence of salicylic acid, a gummy material, having the properties of tragacanth and glycerin.

Then add a drop of ferric chlorid solution, and a violet color will be produced if salicylic acid is present.

Formaldehyde, boric acid or salicylic acid may be added to preserve the milk.

A purple or violet coloration proves the presence of salicylic acid, which in turn indicates the presence of saccharin.

This test cannot be used if salicylic acid was used as a preservative in the original product.

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