caprolactam

noun

cap·​ro·​lac·​tam ˌka-prō-ˈlak-ˌtam How to pronounce caprolactam (audio)
: 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

Dictionary Entries Near caprolactam

Cite this Entry

“Caprolactam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caprolactam. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!