stearin

views updated May 23 2018

stearin (chem.) glyceride formed by combination of stearic acid and glycerine. XIX. — F. stéarine, f. Gr. stéar tallow, suet; see -IN.
So stearic (-IC) derived from or containing stearin. XIX. steatite massive variety of talc, soapstone. XVIII. — L. steatîtis, -ītēs — Gr. *steatitis, -ttēs resembling tallow; see -ITE.

stearin

views updated May 29 2018

ste·a·rin / ˈstēərin; ˈsti(ə)rin/ • n. a white crystalline substance that is the main constituent of tallow and suet. It is a glyceryl ester of stearic acid. ∎  a mixture of fatty acids used in candlemaking.