First Known Use: 1863
Dictionary
cetyl alcohol
noun ce·tyl alcohol \ˈsē-təl-\
Definition of CETYL ALCOHOL
: a waxy crystalline alcohol C16H34O obtained by the saponification of spermaceti or the hydrogenation of palmitic acid and used especially in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations and in making detergents
See cetyl alcohol defined for kids ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CETYL ALCOHOL
International Scientific Vocabulary cet- (from Latin cetus whale) + -yl; from its occurrence in spermaceti
Medical Dictionary
cetyl alcohol
noun
Medical Definition of CETYL ALCOHOL
: a waxy crystalline alcohol C16H34O obtained by the saponification of spermaceti or the hydrogenation of palmitic acid and used especially in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations and in making detergents
Learn More About CETYL ALCOHOL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: CEUPrevious Word in the Dictionary: cetuximabAll Words Near: cetyl alcohol
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up cetyl alcohol? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).