Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pharmaceutical compound: Acetylsalicylic acid is the chemical name for a common medication derived from salicylic acid. It is widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, lower fever, and, in low doses, to help prevent blood clots.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor recommended taking acetylsalicylic acid for the headache.
  • Acetylsalicylic acid is a key ingredient in many over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Patients with a history of heart issues are often prescribed a low daily dose of acetylsalicylic acid.

Advanced Usage

• Chemical and Medical Context: The term is primarily used in formal, scientific, or medical writing and speech.
  • The synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid was a milestone in pharmaceutical history.
• Referring to Mechanism: Used when describing its biochemical action.
  • Acetylsalicylic acid works by inhibiting enzymes involved in inflammation and blood clotting.

Variants and Related Words

• Aspirin (n): The most common generic and brand name for acetylsalicylic acid.
  • She took an aspirin for her muscle pain.
• Salicylate (n): A broader class of chemicals that includes acetylsalicylic acid.
  • Some people are allergic to salicylates like acetylsalicylic acid.

Synonyms

• Aspirin: The direct synonym in everyday and most medical contexts.
• Salicylate drug: A more technical synonym referring to its drug class.

Related Phrases

• Acetylsalicylic acid therapy: Long-term use for preventing cardiovascular events.
  • The patient was placed on acetylsalicylic acid therapy after his stent procedure.
• Acetylsalicylic acid intolerance: An adverse reaction to the drug.
  • Acetylsalicylic acid intolerance can cause respiratory symptoms in some individuals.

Notes on Usage

• The full term acetylsalicylic acid is typically used in formal, academic, or precise medical contexts to distinguish the specific chemical compound. In everyday conversation, the word aspirin is almost always used instead. It is an uncountable noun when referring to the substance, but can be countable when referring to individual doses (e.g., "two acetylsalicylic acid tablets").

Noun

1. the acetylated derivative of salicylic acid; used as an analgesic anti-inflammatory drug (trade names Bayer, Empirin, and St. Joseph) usually taken in tablet form; used as an antipyretic; slows clotting of the blood by poisoning platelets