First Known Use: 1840
Dictionary
salicylic acid
noun sal·i·cyl·ic acid \ˌsa-lə-ˈsi-lik-\
Definition of SALICYLIC ACID
: a crystalline phenolic acid C7H6O3 that is used medicinally especially as an exfoliant and in the form of salts and other derivatives as an analgesic and antipyretic — compare aspirin
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Origin of SALICYLIC ACID
French salicylique, from salicyle, the group HOC6H4CO, from salicine salicin + -yle -yl
Medical Dictionary
salicylic acid
noun sal·i·cyl·ic acid \ˌsal-ə-ˌsil-ik-\
Medical Definition of SALICYLIC ACID
: a crystalline phenolic acid C7H6O3 that is the ortho form of hydroxybenzoic acid and is used especially in making pharmaceuticals and dyes, as an antiseptic and disinfectant especially in treating skin diseases, as a keratolytic agent for skin exfoliation, and in the form of salts and other derivatives as an analgesic and antipyretic and in the treatment of rheumatism—see aspirin
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