coccinic acid

noun

coc·​cin·​ic acid
(ˈ)käk¦sinik-
: any of three isomeric crystalline diacids C6H2(OH)(CH3)(COOH)2 distinguished as alpha, beta, and gamma with the alpha acid being obtained by oxidizing cochineal

Word History

Etymology

French coccinique, from coccine carmine (from Latin coccinus scarlet, from Greek kokkinos, from kokkos grain, seed) + -ique -ic

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near coccinic acid

Cite this Entry

“Coccinic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coccinic%20acid. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!