benzoic acid: Meaning and Definition of

benzo'ic ac'id

Pronunciation: [key]
— Chem., Pharm. Chem.,Pharm.
  1. a white, crystalline, slightly water-soluble powder, CHO, usually derived from benzoin or other balsams, or synthesized from phthalic acid or toluene: used chiefly as a preservative, in the synthesis of dyes, and in medicine as a germicide. Also called
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.