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

Avoid additives: Stick to plain water; commercial additives or home remedies like sugar or aspirin may not be effective and can harm the tree. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024

Medications that may cause an allergic reaction include penicillin, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). —Daniel More, Health, 24 Oct. 2024

With aspirin, these platelet changes cannot be undone and will remain an issue until new platelets form in seven to 10 days. —Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 19 Oct. 2024

Giving aspirin to a child with chickenpox can trigger this condition.11 Sepsis: This life-threatening condition causes a dangerous whole-body immune reaction (inflammatory response). —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 18 Oct. 2024

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