lauric acid

noun

lau·​ric acid ˈlȯr-ik- How to pronounce lauric acid (audio)
ˈlär-
: a crystalline fatty acid C12H24O2 found especially in coconut oil and used chiefly in making soaps and esters

Examples of lauric acid in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The formula also includes lauric acid, a fatty acid found in coconut milk that acts as a cleansing agent, with recent studies showing it can help prevent acne-causing bacteria as well. — Siena Gagliano, Allure, 26 Feb. 2025 Here, soybean oils and glycerin moisturize skin, while lauric acid helps reduce and treat acne-prone skin. — Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin laurus

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lauric acid was in 1863

Rhymes for lauric acid

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Browse Nearby Words

Laurentide
lauric acid
Laurier
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Cite this Entry

“Lauric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lauric%20acid. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

lauric acid

noun
lau·​ric acid ˌlȯr-ik-, ˌlär- How to pronounce lauric acid (audio)
: a crystalline fatty acid C12H24O2 found especially in coconut oil and used in making soaps, esters, and lauryl alcohol

called also dodecanoic acid

More from Merriam-Webster on lauric acid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lauric acid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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