abietic acid

noun

ab·​i·​et·​ic acid

¦abē¦etik-

: a colorless crystalline tricyclic acid C₁₉H₂₉COOH with two double bonds that constitutes the major component of rosin, that is formed from certain other resin acids by heat and acid treatment, and that is used chiefly in making esters for plasticizers

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French (acide) abiétique, from abiet- (borrowed from Latin abiet-, abiēs "silver fir") + -ique -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!