Definition of cetyl alcohol
: a waxy crystalline alcohol C16H34O obtained by the saponification of spermaceti or the hydrogenation of palmitic acid and used especially in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations and in making detergents
Explore Merriam-Webster
Origin and Etymology of cetyl alcohol
International Scientific Vocabulary cet- (from Latin cetus whale) + -yl; from its occurrence in spermaceti
Medical Dictionary
cetyl alcohol
Medical Definition of cetyl alcohol
: a waxy crystalline alcohol C16H34O obtained by the saponification of spermaceti or the hydrogenation of palmitic acid and used especially in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations and in making detergents
Learn More about cetyl alcohol
-
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cetyl alcohol
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up cetyl alcohol? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!