retinoic acid

noun

ret·​i·​no·​ic acid ˌre-tə-ˈnō-ik- 

: either of two isomers of an acid C₂₀H₂₈O₂ derived from vitamin A and used in the treatment of acne:

a

: tretinoin

b

: isotretinoin

Examples of retinoic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Between weeks 10 and 14, retinoic acid (a Vitamin A derivative) first limits the initial production of blue cones, followed by thyroid hormones, which trigger any remaining blue cones to physically convert into red and green cones. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026

The formula leans on a retinoid ester, a milder cousin in the retinoid family that converts into retinoic acid through several metabolic steps. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2026

Using computer modeling and large drug screens, the team designed and identified small molecules that blocked the enzymes that produce retinoic acid. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Facilitating red blood cell and hemoglobin production through vitamin A's active form, retinoic acid. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for retinoic acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

retinoic acid

noun

ret·​i·​no·​ic acid ˌret-ᵊn-ˌō-ik- 

: either of two isomers of an acid C₂₀H₂₈O₂ derived from vitamin A and used especially in the treatment of acne:

a

or all-trans-retinoic acid : tretinoin

b

or 13-cis-retinoic acid : isotretinoin