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

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First Known Use: 1830

in the meaning defined above

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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