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stearic acid

noun stea·ric acid \ stē-ˈer-ik- , stē-ˈa-rik- , ˈstir-ik- \

Definition of stearic acid

: a white crystalline fatty acid C18H36O2 obtained by saponifying tallow or other hard fats containing stearin; also : a commercial mixture of stearic and palmitic acids

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Origin and Etymology of stearic acid

French stéarique, from Greek stear hard fat

Medical Dictionary

stearic acid

noun stea·ric acid \ stē-ˌar-ik- , ˌsti(ə)r-ik- \

medical Definition of stearic acid

: a white crystalline fatty acid C18H36O2 obtained by saponifying tallow or other hard fats containing stearin; also : a commercial mixture of stearic and palmitic acids

Learn More about stearic acid

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stearic acid

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