barbituric acid

noun

bar·​bi·​tu·​ric acid ˌbär-bə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ik- How to pronounce barbituric acid (audio)
: a synthetic crystalline acid C4H4N2O3 derived from pyrimidine

Examples of barbituric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Barbiturates are a class of depressant drugs derived from barbituric acid that act on the central nervous system. Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of German Barbitursäure, irregular from the name Barbara + International Scientific Vocabulary uric + German Säure acid

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barbituric acid was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near barbituric acid

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

barbituric acid

noun
bar·​bi·​tu·​ric acid ˌbär-bə-ˌt(y)u̇r-ik- How to pronounce barbituric acid (audio)
: an organic acid used in making plastics and drugs

Medical Definition

barbituric acid

noun
bar·​bi·​tu·​ric acid ˌbär-bə-ˌt(y)u̇r-ik- How to pronounce barbituric acid (audio)
: a synthetic crystalline acid C4H4N2O3 that is a derivative of pyrimidine
also : any of its acid derivatives of which some are used as hypnotics

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