caprolactam

noun

cap·​ro·​lac·​tam ˌka-prō-ˈlak-ˌtam How to pronounce caprolactam (audio)
: a white crystalline cyclic amide C6H11NO used especially in making one type of nylon

Word History

Etymology

caproic acid + lactone + amide

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caprolactam was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near caprolactam

caproic acid

caprolactam

capryl

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Caprolactam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caprolactam. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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