hy·droxy·ben·zo·ic acid | \ -ben-ˌzō-ik- 
\
\Medical Definition of hydroxybenzoic acid
: any of three crystalline derivatives C7H6O3 of benzoic acid that contain one hydroxyl group per molecule: as
a : the colorless para-substituted acid used in making several of its esters that are effective preservatives
— called also parahydroxybenzoic acid
b : salicylic acid
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