phthalic acid

noun

phthal·​ic acid ˈtha-lik- How to pronounce phthalic acid (audio)
: any of three isomeric acids C8H6O4 obtained by oxidation of various benzene derivatives

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, short for obsolete naphthalic acid, from naphthalene

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phthalic acid was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near phthalic acid

Cite this Entry

“Phthalic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phthalic%20acid. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

phthalic acid

noun
phthal·​ic acid ˌthal-ik- How to pronounce phthalic acid (audio)
: any of three isomeric acids C8H6O4 obtained by oxidation of various benzene derivatives

More from Merriam-Webster on phthalic acid

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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