Definition

1. Noun:
   • A white crystalline organic acid: A white, crystalline solid organic compound with a bitter taste, chemically known as a hydroxybenzoic acid. It is used as a key starting material in the synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and other pharmaceuticals, as well as in the production of dyes, perfumes, and as a topical fungicide and keratolytic agent (to remove warts and peel skin).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter wart removal treatments.
  • The laboratory synthesized aspirin from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride.
  • Some face washes contain salicylic acid to help treat acne.

Advanced Usage

• In Chemistry and Pharmacology: The term is used precisely to denote the specific chemical compound (C₇H₆O₃). Its properties as a precursor and its physiological effects (anti-inflammatory, keratolytic) are central to its advanced usage.
  • The study focused on the derivatization of salicylic acid to create new anti-inflammatory drugs.

Variants and Related Words

• Salicylate (n): A salt or ester of salicylic acid. Many pharmaceuticals, like methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), are salicylates.
  • Sodium salicylate was used as a pain reliever before the development of aspirin.

Synonyms

• 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid: The systematic IUPAC chemical name.
• Ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid: An alternative chemical name specifying the position of the hydroxyl group.

Related Phrases / Terms

• Acetylsalicylic acid: The compound formed when salicylic acid is acetylated; commonly known as aspirin.
  • Acetylsalicylic acid is less irritating to the stomach than its precursor, salicylic acid.
• Salicylic acid peel: A cosmetic procedure using a solution of salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin.
  • The dermatologist recommended a mild salicylic acid peel for my acne.

Noun

1. a white crystalline substance with a bitter aftertaste; used as a fungicide or in making aspirin or dyes or perfumes