lauric acid

lau·ric acid  (lôrk, lr-)

n.

A fatty acid, CH₃(CH₂)₁₀COOH, obtained chiefly from coconut and laurel oils and used in making soaps, cosmetics, esters, and lauryl alcohol.

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[Latin laurus, laurel + -ic.]

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lauric acid  (lôrk)

A saturated fatty acid obtained chiefly from coconut and laurel oils and used in making soaps, cosmetics, esters, and lauryl alcohol. It is combustible and forms colorless needles that have waxy odor and taste. Chemical formula: C₁₂H₂₄O₂.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

lauric acid - a crystalline fatty acid occurring as glycerides in natural fats and oils (especially coconut oil and palm-kernel oil) dodecanoic acid saturated fatty acid - a fatty acid whose carbon chain cannot absorb any more hydrogen atoms; found chiefly in animal fats