benzoic acid

noun

ben·zo·ic acid ben-ˈzō-ik-

: a white crystalline acid C₆H₅COOH found naturally (as in benzoin or in cranberries) or made synthetically and used especially as a preservative of foods, as an antifungal agent in pharmaceuticals, and in organic synthesis

Examples of benzoic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Both jars also showed hints of the compounds coumarin and benzoic acid. —

Popular Science, 31 Aug. 2023 This scrub contains benzoic acid, which is known to cause skin irritation for some. —

Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2023 The team found that the pure epinephrine samples only returned 87 percent pure—the other 13 percent had turned into poisonous benzoic acid derivatives. —

Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Mar. 2023 Once absorbed into the skin, benzoyl peroxide is converted into benzoic acid. —

Angela Palmer, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2023 According to the company’s website, Juul pods contain only four ingredients: nicotine, and the additives propylene glycol, glycerine, and benzoic acid, which serve as thickeners and preservatives. —

Chris Roberts, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2021 The health effects of nicotine as a salt with benzoic acid is also relatively unknown. —

Daniel Wolfe, Quartz, 18 Oct. 2019 Juul uses benzoic acid, though their patent covers a wide range of other acids as well. —

Rachel Becker, The Verge, 21 Nov. 2018 Further, Zeichner says that ingredients like propylene glycol, benzene, benzoic acid, and chlorhexidine can potentially cause irritation and even allergic contact dermatitis. —

Sofia Barrett-Ibarria, Allure, 21 Sep. 2018 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'benzoic acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from benzoin

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of benzoic acid was in 1791

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Benzoic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzoic%20acid. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

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Kids Definition

benzoic acid

noun

ben·zo·ic acid ben-ˌzō-ik-

: a white crystalline organic acid that is used especially to increase the life of foods, to make other chemicals, and in medicine

Medical Definition

benzoic acid

noun

ben·zo·ic acid ben-ˌzō-ik-

: a white crystalline acid C₆H₆O₂ found naturally (as in benzoin or in cranberries) or made synthetically and used especially as a preservative of foods, in medicine, and in organic synthesis