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caprolactam

noun cap·ro·lac·tam \ ˌka-prō-ˈlak-ˌtam \

Definition of caprolactam

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

Origin and Etymology of caprolactam

caproic acid + lactone + amide

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First Known Use: 1944

in the meaning defined above

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