cetyl alcohol

noun

ce·tyl alcohol ˈsē-tᵊl-

: 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web What exactly is cetyl alcohol? —

Devon Abelman, Allure, 17 July 2021 Fatty alcohols, like cetyl alcohol, do just the opposite. —

Devon Abelman, Allure, 17 July 2021 But fear not, cetyl alcohol is nothing of the sort. —

Devon Abelman, Allure, 17 July 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cetyl alcohol.' 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 cet- (from Latin cetus whale) + -yl; from its occurrence in spermaceti

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of cetyl alcohol was in 1863

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cetyl alcohol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cetyl%20alcohol. Accessed 10 Jun. 2023.

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