aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈa-sp(ə-)rən 

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

Examples of aspirin in a Sentence

Aspirin is effective in controlling headaches.

Recent Examples on the Web

Common blood thinners include warfarin, heparin, apixaban, rivaroxaban and dabigatran. Clots in arteries are usually treated with antiplatelet agents such as aspirin or clopidogrel, says Chan. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025

After a diagnosis, Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin or ibuprofen) to keep symptoms manageable.1 For prevention's sake, protect yourself against tick bites as much as possible. —Amber Brenza, Health, 1 Aug. 2025

Bruising on Trump's hand was attributed to frequent handshaking and aspirin use for heart health. —Amanda Castro hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025

For example, in 2021, the task force updated its guidance on heart attack prevention, saying most adults shouldn’t take aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 11 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈas-p(ə-)rən 

1

: a white drug used as a remedy for pain and fever

2

: a tablet of aspirin

Medical Definition

aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈas-p(ə-)rən 

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