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stearic acid

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

Definition of stearic acid

  1. :  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


First Known Use: 1830

Medical Dictionary

stearic acid

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

Medical Definition of stearic acid

  1. :  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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