stearin

noun

stea·​rin ˈstē-ə-rən  ˈstir-ən 

: an ester of glycerol and stearic acid

Word History

Etymology

French stéarine, from Greek stear

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

stearin

noun

stea·​rin ˈstē-ə-rən  ˈsti(ə)r-ən 

: a chemical compound that is the chief substance in beef fat

Medical Definition

stearin

noun

stea·​rin ˈstē-ə-rən  ˈsti(ə)r-ən 

1

: an ester of glycerol and stearic acid C₃H₅(C₁₈H₃₅O₂)₃ that is a predominant constituent of many hard fats

2

also stearine

same or ˈstē-ə-ˌrēn, ˈsti(ə)r-ˌēn

: the solid portion of a fat