stearic, a.
(stiːˈærɪk)
[ad. F. stéarique (Chevreul c 1819) f. Gr. στέαρ fat, tallow: see -ic.]
a. Chem. Derived from or containing stearin. stearic acid (C18H36O2), an organic acid found mixed with palmitin and olein in most tallows. stearic ether, a compound of stearic acid with the alcohol radicals. b. stearic candle: the trade name of a kind of candle made of the ‘stearine’ of commerce.
| 1831 T. P. Jones New Convers. Chem. xxx. 304 In the conversion of suet into soap, a third acid, called stearic, has also been detected. 1836–9 Brande in Todd's Cycl. Anat. II. 233/2 The stearic portion of train oil..concretes..at a temperature between 70° and 80°. 1838 R. D. Thomson in Brit. Annual 348 Stearic ether. 1852 Royle in Lect. Gt. Exhib. 485 The wax candles from Patna, and the stearic candles..from Calcutta. 1898 Allbutt's Syst. Med. V. 35 Fatty crystals (palmitic and stearic)..are also found. |