aspirin

noun as·pi·rin \ ˈas-p(ə-)rən \

Updated on: 17 May 2018

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

The first-aid kit is stocked with more than 100 items, including bandages [5], antiseptic towelettes and hand wipes, antibiotic ointment and aspirin.

— joe veix, WSJ, "Survive in Style With a $995 Emergency Kit," 4 May 2018
After two months of headaches that aspirin couldn’t fix, the pain in Janet Sutherland’s head grew too terrible to bear.

— john keilman, chicagotribune.com, "White Sox pitcher Danny Farquhar faces tough odds in recovery from brain aneurysm, but hopeful signs exist," 23 Apr. 2018
Immediate treatment includes chewing a single full-sized 325-mg aspirin.

— NBC News, "What is a heart attack? The symptoms you need to know," 12 Apr. 2018
If ever there was a wonder drug, aspirin might be it.

— viviane callier, Scientific American, "Aspirin May Prevent Cancer from Spreading, New Research Shows," 1 May 2017
Those include Buscapina, used to treat menstrual cramps; Prodolina, an anti-inflammatory pain reliever; and Neo-Melubrina, marketed as a stronger form of aspirin, according to court records.

— kristina davis, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Pharmaceutical peddler gets prison for selling counterfeit and unapproved meds in U.S.," 27 Apr. 2018
But things like smoking, eating large meals, eating late at night, eating fatty or fried foods, drinking alcohol or coffee, and taking certain medications (like aspirin) can increase your risk of experiencing it.

— lindsey lanquist, SELF, "Chrissy Teigen (and Everyone Else) Wants to Know if Acid Reflux Can Kill You," 21 Feb. 2018
Trump also takes aspirin daily for his heart, propecia for hair loss, a daily vitamin and an occasional cream for rosacea, a skin condition.

— jenna johnson, Washington Post, "Trump did exceedingly well on a cognitive test, top White House doctor says," 16 Jan. 2018
These ultimately revealed an underlying risk of heart complications that turned out to be common among NSAIDs, including aspirin.

— john timmer, Ars Technica, "Small study suggests ibuprofen alters testosterone metabolism," 9 Jan. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

ASPIRIN Defined for English Language Learners

aspirin

noun

Definition of aspirin for English Language Learners

: a medicine that reduces pain and fever

ASPIRIN Defined for Kids

aspirin

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

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

Seen and Heard

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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

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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