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: 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
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
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Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin laurus
First Known Use
1863, in the meaning defined above
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-
: 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lauric acid
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