benzoic acid

noun

ben·​zo·​ic acid ben-ˈzō-ik- 

: a white crystalline acid C₆H₅COOH found naturally (as in benzoin or in cranberries) or made synthetically and used especially as a preservative of foods, as an antifungal agent in pharmaceuticals, and in organic synthesis

Examples of benzoic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers attributed this to its high content of benzoic acid derivatives, including 3-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, which has strong cellular protective properties.7 4. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Aug. 2024

Both jars also showed hints of the compounds coumarin and benzoic acid. —Popular Science, 31 Aug. 2023

This scrub contains benzoic acid, which is known to cause skin irritation for some. —Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2023

The team found that the pure epinephrine samples only returned 87 percent pure—the other 13 percent had turned into poisonous benzoic acid derivatives. —Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Mar. 2023

Once absorbed into the skin, benzoyl peroxide is converted into benzoic acid. —Angela Palmer, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2023

According to the company’s website, Juul pods contain only four ingredients: nicotine, and the additives propylene glycol, glycerine, and benzoic acid, which serve as thickeners and preservatives. —Chris Roberts, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2021

The health effects of nicotine as a salt with benzoic acid is also relatively unknown. —Daniel Wolfe, Quartz, 18 Oct. 2019

Juul uses benzoic acid, though their patent covers a wide range of other acids as well. —Rachel Becker, The Verge, 21 Nov. 2018

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from benzoin

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for benzoic acid

• antacid
• placid

Kids Definition

benzoic acid

noun

ben·​zo·​ic acid ben-ˌzō-ik- 

: a white crystalline organic acid that is used especially to increase the life of foods, to make other chemicals, and in medicine

Medical Definition

benzoic acid

noun

ben·​zo·​ic acid ben-ˌzō-ik- 

: a white crystalline acid C₆H₆O₂ found naturally (as in benzoin or in cranberries) or made synthetically and used especially as a preservative of foods, in medicine, and in organic synthesis