barbituric acid

noun

bar·​bi·​tu·​ric acid ˌbär-bə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ik- 

: a synthetic crystalline acid C₄H₄N₂O₃ derived from pyrimidine

Examples of barbituric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Barbiturates are a class of depressant drugs derived from barbituric acid that act on the central nervous system. —Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of German Barbitursäure, irregular from the name Barbara + International Scientific Vocabulary uric + German Säure acid

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

barbituric acid

noun

bar·​bi·​tu·​ric acid ˌbär-bə-ˌt(y)u̇r-ik- 

: an organic acid used in making plastics and drugs

Medical Definition

barbituric acid

noun

bar·​bi·​tu·​ric acid ˌbär-bə-ˌt(y)u̇r-ik- 

: a synthetic crystalline acid C₄H₄N₂O₃ that is a derivative of pyrimidine

also : any of its acid derivatives of which some are used as hypnotics