[¦bād·ə naf¦thäk·sē·ə′sēd·ik ′as·əd] (organic chemistry) C12H10O3 A crystalline compound soluble in water, with a melting point of 156°C; used as a growth regulator to set blossoms and regulate growth for pineapples, strawberries, and tomatoes. Also known as O-(2-naphthyl)glycolic acid. Abbreviated BNOA.