Word Study
stearic
CIDE DICTIONARY
stearic, a. [Cf. F. stéarique.].
Pertaining to, or obtained from, stearin or tallow; resembling tallow. [1913 Webster]
Stearic acid (Chem.), a monobasic fatty acid, obtained in the form of white crystalline scales, soluble in alcohol and ether. It melts to an oily liquid at 69°C.
OXFORD DICTIONARY
stearic, adj. derived from stearin.
Idiom
stearic acid a solid saturated fatty acid obtained from animal or vegetable fats.
Derivative
stearate n.
Etymology
F st{eacute}arique f. Gk stear steatos tallow
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