carboxyl

noun

car·​box·​yl kär-ˈbäk-səl 

: a monovalent functional group or radical −COOH typical of organic acids

called also carboxyl group

carboxylic

ˌkär-(ˌ)bäk-ˈsi-lik 

adjective

Examples of carboxyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The team investigated nanotubes functionalized with hydroxyl (‒OH), carboxyl (‒COOH), and amine (‒NH₂) groups to determine which surface chemistry performed best. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

Between these groups are alpha carbons, which are bonded to both the amino and carboxyl groups, as well as a carbon atom. — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2022

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for carboxyl

• basophil
• daffodil
• neutrophil
• overkill
• overspill
• anthill
• backfill
• bluegill
• crossbill
• distil
• distill
• downhill

Medical Definition

carboxyl

noun

car·​box·​yl kär-ˈbäk-səl 

: a monovalent group −COOH typical of organic acids

called also carboxyl group

carboxylic

ˌkär-(ˌ)bäk-ˈsil-ik 

adjective