retinoic acid

noun

ret·​i·​no·​ic acid ˌre-tə-ˈnō-ik- 

: either of two isomers of an acid C₂₀H₂₈O₂ derived from vitamin A and used in the treatment of acne:

a

: tretinoin

b

: isotretinoin

Examples of retinoic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mice that received regular injections with retinoic acid managed to fully regenerate ear pinna tissues just like the rabbits did. —Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025

The team realized the salamanders have a gradient of retinoic acid throughout their arms. —Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025

Importantly, the work found that retinoic acid helps tell the axolotl which type of limb to regrow. —Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025

Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid, is a type of retinoid, a group of vitamin A derivatives that includes retinol. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for retinoic acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

retinoic acid

noun

ret·​i·​no·​ic acid ˌret-ᵊn-ˌō-ik- 

: either of two isomers of an acid C₂₀H₂₈O₂ derived from vitamin A and used especially in the treatment of acne:

a

or all-trans-retinoic acid : tretinoin

b

or 13-cis-retinoic acid : isotretinoin