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barbituric acid
noun
bar·bi·tu·ric acid
ˌbär-bə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ik-
: a synthetic crystalline acid C4H4N2O3 derived from pyrimidine
Examples of barbituric acid in a Sentence
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Barbiturates are a class of depressant drugs derived from barbituric acid that act on the central nervous system.
—Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 10 Sep. 2024
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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
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 1 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
barbituric acid
noun
bar·bi·tu·ric acid
ˌbär-bə-ˌt(y)u̇r-ik-
: 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-
: a synthetic crystalline acid C4H4N2O3 that is a derivative of pyrimidine
also
: any of its acid derivatives of which some are used as hypnotics
More from Merriam-Webster on barbituric acid
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about barbituric acid
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