Wiktionary
n. (context organic compound English) A white crystalline organic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, C6H4(OH)(COOH), used in the production of aspirin and other industrial chemicals.
WordNet
n. a white crystalline substance with a bitter aftertaste; used as a fungicide or in making aspirin or dyes or perfumes [syn: 2-hydroxybenzoic acid]
Wikipedia
Salicylic acid (from Latin salix, willow tree) is a monohydroxybenzoic acid, a type of phenolic acid and a beta hydroxy acid. It has the formula CHO. This colorless crystalline organic acid is widely used in organic synthesis and functions as a plant hormone. It is derived from the metabolism of salicin. In addition to serving as an important active metabolite of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), which acts in part as a prodrug to salicylic acid, it is probably best known for its use as a key ingredient in topical anti-acne products. The salts and esters of salicylic acid are known as salicylates. The medicinal part of the plant is the inner bark.
It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system.
Usage examples of "salicylic acid".
I recalled vaguely from a long-ago botany lecture hearing that willow bark in fact contained salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin.
The acid and enzymes in wine and beer - in MODERATION - promote digestion and health and the salicylic acid in processed aspirin is also contained in wine, that when taken in MODERATION assists in cleansing arterial plaque, and the reports are firm and based on decades of data.
Anne knew meadwort contained salicylic acid, but Drud needed a cardiac glycoside, not an aspirin.
The second had a surgeon with sufficient imagination to provide what seemed a liberal supply of salicylic acid and mercury salicylate as well as a small ultraviolet radiator.
Peace recalled that salicylic acid, and its salts and esters, caused mitochondria to store inorganic phosphates, and she determined to stockpile the stuff.