lauric acid

noun

lau·​ric acid ˈlȯr-ik- How to pronounce lauric acid (audio)
ˈlär-
: a crystalline fatty acid C12H24O2 found especially in coconut oil and used chiefly in making soaps and esters

Examples of lauric 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.
As a familiar ingredient in Black households, coconut oil has no cholesterol or fiber and a small amount of nutrients, like lauric acid and plant sterols. Essence, 28 June 2024 Studies show that this natural oil is made up mostly of fatty acids, like lauric acid, myristic acid, and linoleic acid, and provides a lot of benefits when used in cooking or our hair care and skincare regimens. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2024 Eugenol, geraniol, thyme oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, lauric acid, and vitamin E Price: $12.99 for 8-oz bottle Liquid-Vet Flea & Tick+ Support Formula for Dogs is formulated to be naturally effective against ticks and other pests like fleas and mosquitoes. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2022 Apples are full of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, while coconut oil provides lauric acid, which supports fat metabolism. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2022 Coconut oil contains a type of omega 9 fatty acid, lauric acid, which has several health advantages. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2022 It’s a natural oil processed from a coconut kernel, which contains lauric acid, a fatty acid that promotes and increases antimicrobial activity that helps reduce bacteria and other infections and conditions of the skin. Deena Campbell, Allure, 4 Aug. 2021 Interestingly, lauric acid itself has also been purported to have health benefits. Vasanti Malik, sun-sentinel.com, 19 Nov. 2019 However, large epidemiological studies have failed to report protective associations between lauric acid and cardiovascular disease. Vasanti Malik, sun-sentinel.com, 19 Nov. 2019

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin laurus

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lauric acid was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near lauric acid

Cite this Entry

“Lauric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lauric%20acid. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

lauric acid

noun
lau·​ric acid ˌlȯr-ik-, ˌlär- How to pronounce lauric acid (audio)
: a crystalline fatty acid C12H24O2 found especially in coconut oil and used in making soaps, esters, and lauryl alcohol

called also dodecanoic acid

More from Merriam-Webster on lauric acid

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!