caprolactam

noun

cap·ro·lac·tam ˌka-prō-ˈlak-ˌtam

: a white crystalline cyclic amide C₆H₁₁NO used especially in making one type of nylon

Word History

Etymology

caproic acid + lactone + amide

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of caprolactam was in 1944

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Browse Nearby Words

caproic acid

caprolactam

capryl

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Caprolactam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caprolactam. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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