nordihydroguaiaretic acid

noun

nor·​di·​hy·​dro·​guai·​a·​ret·​ic acid

¦nȯ(r)ˌdī¦hīdrō¦g(w)īə¦retik-

: a crystalline derivative [(HO)₂C₆H₃CH₂CH(CH₃)−]₂ of pyrocatechol obtained especially from the creosote bush or made synthetically and used in trace amounts as an antioxidant to prevent rancidity of lard and other fats or oils

—abbreviation NDGA

Word History

Etymology

nordihydroguaiaretic from nor- + dihydr- + guaiaretic (in guaiaretic acid C₂₀H₂₄O₄) (International Scientific Vocabulary guaia- —from New Latin Guaiacum —+ ret- —from Greek rhētinē resin—+ -ic)

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!