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

Yet when humans get a fever, our instinct is often to bring it down – using aspirin, removing blankets or applying cold compresses. —Harry Bernheim, The Conversation, 23 May 2025

The president's current medications include; Rosuvastatin (cholesterol control), Ezetimibe (cholesterol control), aspirin, and mometasone cream (for skin condition). —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025

Trump also takes aspirin daily to prevent heart disease, a multivitamin and applies a cream called ivermectin, as needed, to treat the skin condition rosacea. —Justin Gomez, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025

Take anti-inflammatory medications like Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), or Bayer (aspirin) to help reduce swelling. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 1 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