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

Examples of stearic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Emulsifiers: Ingredients such as xanthan gum or stearic acid that prevent a formula from separating. — Nia Decaille, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2020 Replacements for trans fats include high oleic oils, fully hydrogenated oils (high in stearic acid) and tropical oils (mainly palm oil). — Environmental Nutrition, sun-sentinel.com, 28 Aug. 2019 And all of the samples contained chemicals like palmitic acid and stearic acid, which suggest plant oils and waxes were also part of the mix. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 2 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stearic acid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Stearic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stearic%20acid. Accessed 22 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for stearic acid

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