Acetylsalicylic acid is a widely used medication that is commonly known by its trade name, aspirin. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of acetylsalicylic acid.
Definitions
Acetylsalicylic acid is a chemical compound that is derived from salicylic acid. It is a white, crystalline powder that is soluble in water and ethanol. It is commonly used as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, and fever reducer.
Origin
Acetylsalicylic acid was first synthesized in 1897 by Felix Hoffmann, a chemist at the German pharmaceutical company Bayer. The compound was derived from salicylic acid, which had been used for centuries as a pain reliever. Hoffmann was trying to find a way to make salicylic acid less irritating to the stomach, and he succeeded by acetylating the compound.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, acetylsalicylic acid is defined as “a white crystalline derivative C9H8O4 of salicylic acid used as a pain reliever and fever reducer”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a synthetic compound used as an analgesic and antipyretic drug”.
Associations
Acetylsalicylic acid is most commonly associated with its trade name, aspirin. It is also associated with pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and fever reduction.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for acetylsalicylic acid include salicylsalicylic acid, 2-acetoxybenzoic acid, and acetyl salicylate.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for acetylsalicylic acid, as it is a specific chemical compound with unique properties.
The same root words
The root words of acetylsalicylic acid are “acetyl”, which refers to a chemical group consisting of a carbonyl group and a methyl group, and “salicylic acid”, which is a compound derived from willow bark that has pain-relieving properties.
Example Sentences
- “I have a headache, so I’m going to take some acetylsalicylic acid.”
- “Aspirin is a common brand name for acetylsalicylic acid.”
- “Acetylsalicylic acid is often used to reduce inflammation in arthritis patients.”