n.
A white crystalline acid, C6H4(OH)(COOH), used in making aspirin, as a preservative, and in the external treatment of skin conditions such as eczema.
[From French salicyle, the radical of salicylic acid, from salicine, salicin. See salicin.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
