: an organic acid (such as acetic acid) containing one or more carboxyl groups
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThe startup patented a way to make protonated nicotine with any of a number of carboxylic acids. Katherine Ellen Foley, Quartz, 11 Oct. 2019 They’re most often seen in the form of triglycerides, which are three fatty acid molecules stacked on top of each other and bonded at the carboxylic acid ends. A.a. Newton, SELF, 28 Aug. 2019 What exactly are fatty acids? Fatty acids are long strings of hydrocarbons with a carboxylic acid functional group on one end. A.a. Newton, SELF, 28 Aug. 2019
Word History
First Known Use
1868, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
carboxylic acid
noun
: an organic acid (as an acetic acid) containing one or more carboxyl groups