acid radical

noun

1
: the negative ion (as the sulfate ion SO4−−) of an acid : anion
—now used especially by analysts
2
: a radical formed by removal of all hydroxyl or analogous groups (as mercapto) from an acid
benzoyl C6H5CO− is the acid radical corresponding to benzoic acid C6H5COOH
sulfuryl >SO2 is the acid radical of sulfuric acid H2SO4
compare acyl

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acid radical was in 1788

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Dictionary Entries Near acid radical

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acid radical

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Cite this Entry

“Acid radical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acid%20radical. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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