aspirin
UK /ˈæs.p(ɪ.)ɹɪn/ · US /ˈæs.pɹɪn/ noun, proper noun
Forms aspirins
- noun (uncountable, organic chemistry, pharmacology) an analgesic drug, acetylsalicylic acid
- noun (countable) A tablet containing this substance.
- proper noun (pharmacology) A marketed variety of acetylsalicylic acid.
Synonyms
Etymology
Genericized trademark of German Aspirin, from acetylierte Spirsäure (literally “acetylated spiraeic acid”). The trade name Aspirin is a registered trademark in some countries, but has entered the English language in generic usage, as various German trademarks were nullified in the United States after World War I (see also heroin).
From the German trademark Aspirin, from acetylierte Spirsäure (“acetylated spiræic acid”); more at aspirin § Etymology.
Webster’s 1913
- noun A white crystalline compound of acetyl and salicylic acid used as a drug for the salicylic acid liberated from it in the intestines.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “aspirin”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details