salicylic acid

views updated May 23 2018

sal·i·cyl·ic ac·id / ˌsaləˈsilik/ • n. Chem. a bitter compound, C6H4(OH)(COOH), present in certain plants. It is used as a fungicide and in the manufacture of aspirin and dyestuffs.DERIVATIVES: sa·lic·y·late / səˈlisəˌlāt; -lit/ n.

salicylic acid

views updated May 11 2018

salicylic acid (C7H6O3) Colourless, crystalline solid, derivatives of which are used as analgesics (including aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid), antiseptics, dyes, and liniments. It occurs naturally in plants, including willow bark and oil of wintergreen.

salicylic acid

views updated May 21 2018

salicylic acid (1-hydroxybenzoic acid) A naturally occurring carboxylic acid, HOC6H4COOH, found in certain plants. It is used in making aspirin and in the foodstuffs and dyestuffs industries.

salicylic acid

views updated Jun 11 2018

salicylic acid (sal-i-sil-ik) n. a drug that causes the skin to peel and destroys bacteria and fungi. It is applied to the skin, alone or in combination with other agents, to treat warts, corns, callus, acne, dandruff, psoriasis, and fungal infections. Trade names: Cuplex, Duofilm, Salactol, Verrugon, etc.