naphthaleneacetic acid

noun

naph·​tha·​lene·​acetic acid
: either of two crystalline naphthyl derivatives C10H7CH2COOH of acetic acid
especially : the alpha or 1-compound used as a growth regulator for plants (as for preventing drop of apples before normal harvest time)

Word History

Etymology

naphthalene + acetic

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Dictionary Entries Near naphthaleneacetic acid

naphthalene

naphthaleneacetic acid

naphthalenedisulfonic acid

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Cite this Entry

“Naphthaleneacetic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naphthaleneacetic%20acid. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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