aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈa-sp(ə-)rən 

plural aspirin or aspirins

1

: a white crystalline derivative C₉H₈O₄ of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever

2

: a tablet of aspirin

Examples of aspirin in a Sentence

Aspirin is effective in controlling headaches.

Recent Examples on the Web

And yet no armies have formed against aspirin, Tylenol or water. —Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025

But that doesn't make aspirin a prime candidate for everyone. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025

Willow bark: Willow bark contains compounds similar to aspirin, so people have historically used it for pain and inflammation. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 26 Jan. 2025

It’s filled with aspirin, bandages, ointments, safety pins, tweezers, needle and thread, rubbing alcohol, a scalpel and penicillin. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from acetyl + spiraeic acid (former name of salicylic acid), from New Latin Spiraea, genus of shrubs — more at spirea

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈas-p(ə-)rən 

1

: a white drug used as a remedy for pain and fever

2

: a tablet of aspirin

Medical Definition

aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈas-p(ə-)rən 

plural aspirin or aspirins

1

: a white crystalline derivative C₉H₈O₄ of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever

2

: a tablet of aspirin