urocanic acid

noun

uro·​ca·​nic acid ˌyu̇r-ə-ˈkā-nik- How to pronounce urocanic acid (audio) -ˈka- How to pronounce urocanic acid (audio)
: a crystalline acid C6H6N2O2 that is normally present in human skin

Word History

Etymology

ur- entry 1 + canine + -ic; from its being first obtained from the urine of a dog

First Known Use

circa 1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of urocanic acid was circa 1903

Dictionary Entries Near urocanic acid

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

urocanic acid

noun
uro·​ca·​nic acid ˌyu̇r-ə-ˌkā-nik- How to pronounce urocanic acid (audio) -ˌkan-ik- How to pronounce urocanic acid (audio)
: a crystalline acid C6H6N2O2 normally present in human skin that is held to act as a screening agent for ultraviolet radiation
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