aspirin

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noun as·pi·rin \ ˈas-p(ə-)rən \

Definition of aspirin

plural aspirin or aspirins

1 :a white crystalline derivative C₉H₈O₄ of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever

2 :a tablet of aspirin

See aspirin defined for English-language learners

See aspirin defined for kids

Examples of aspirin in a Sentence

Aspirin is effective in controlling headaches.

Recent Examples of aspirin from the Web

Words like teleprompter, thermos, hoover, aspirin, and videotape were once trademarked.

— david kravets, Ars Technica, "Supreme Court asked to nullify the Google trademark," 20 Aug. 2017
Other pain relief methods – including NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen – were not as heavily marketed as opioids.

— author: katie zezima, Alaska Dispatch News, "Study: Doctors received more than $46 million from drug companies marketing opioids," 9 Aug. 2017
Regular aspirin contains salicylic acid, the chemical typically used in face washes.

— zoe ruffner, Vogue, "6 Celebrity Colorists on How to Make Your Blonde Last All Summer," 24 July 2017
Austin further recommends taking a baby aspirin before a flight, unless there’s a medical reason not to do so.

— catharine hamm, latimes.com, "You may feel lousy after you get off a long flight. Here's why and what you can do about it," 9 July 2017
Made from small pieces of shale or mudstone, each bead had to be ground into a disc roughly half the size of an aspirin, then drilled with a hole.

— National Geographic, "Buried in Beads 4,000 Years Ago, This Chiefly Family Lives Again," 1 July 2017
All NSAIDs, including aspirin, can cause irritation and ulcers.

— teresa graedon, The Seattle Times, "Red yeast rice sends cholesterol plunging," 25 June 2017
The company Bayer is famous for inventing aspirin in 1898, which is arguably one of the world’s most beloved brands, and for good reason.

— john williams, New York Times, "Tell Us 5 Things About Your Book: ‘The End of Advertising’," 18 June 2017
Many patients are already are taking one or two cholesterol pills, one or two for high blood pressure, diabetes medication and an aspirin.

— lynne terry, OregonLive.com, "Pills and exercise help keep diabetes in check," 13 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aspirin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of aspirin

International Scientific Vocabulary, from acetyl + spiraeic acid (former name of salicylic acid), from New Latin Spiraea, genus of shrubs — more at spirea

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1899

See Words from the same year

ASPIRIN Defined for English Language Learners

aspirin

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noun

Definition of aspirin for English Language Learners

: a medicine that reduces pain and fever

ASPIRIN Defined for Kids

aspirin

play

noun as·pi·rin \ ˈa-sprən , ˈa-spə-rən \

Definition of aspirin for Students

:a white drug used to relieve pain and fever

Medical Dictionary

aspirin

play

noun as·pi·rin \ ˈas-p(ə-)rən \

medical Definition of aspirin

plural aspirin or aspirins

1 :a white crystalline derivative C₉H₈O₄ of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever

2 :a tablet of aspirin

Learn More about aspirin

Spanish Central: Translation of aspirin Nglish: Translation of aspirin for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of aspirin for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aspirin

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aspirin

Definition of aspirin

Examples of aspirin in a Sentence

Recent Examples of aspirin from the Web

Origin and Etymology of aspirin

ASPIRIN Defined for English Language Learners

aspirin

Definition of aspirin for English Language Learners

ASPIRIN Defined for Kids

aspirin

Definition of aspirin for Students

Medical Dictionary

aspirin

medical Definition of aspirin

Learn More about aspirin

Seen and Heard

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aspirin

Definition of aspirin

From the M-W Editors

Examples of aspirin in a Sentence

Recent Examples of aspirin from the Web

Origin and Etymology of aspirin

ASPIRIN Defined for English Language Learners

aspirin

Definition of aspirin for English Language Learners

ASPIRIN Defined for Kids

aspirin

Definition of aspirin for Students

Medical Dictionary

aspirin

medical Definition of aspirin

Learn More about aspirin

Seen and Heard

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