cetyl alcohol
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.


ce·tyl alcohol

noun \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

Origin of CETYL ALCOHOL

International Scientific Vocabulary cet- (from Latin cetus whale) + -yl; from its occurrence in spermaceti
First Known Use: 1863

cetyl alcohol

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

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

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: CEU
Previous Word in the Dictionary: Cetus
All Words Near: cetyl alcohol

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).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

#6: Flabbergast
: to overwhelm with shock,
surprise, or wonder
See All Top 25 Entries »
Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More