succinic
(səkˈsɪnɪk)
[ad. F. succinique (Lavoisier), f. L. succinum amber, succin: see -ic 1 b.]
1. Chem. succinic acid: a dibasic acid obtained by the dry distillation of amber. (Formerly called salt or spirit of amber.)
| 1790 Kerr tr. Lavoisier's Elem. Chem. 190 Succinic acid, [old name] Volatile salt of amber. 1836–41 Brande Chem. (ed. 5) 1160 When succinic acid is obtained in the form of crystals from its aqueous solutions, it is in a hydrated state. 1876 Harley Mat. Med. (ed. 6) 360 Succinic acid is supposed to be expectorant. |
b. Similarly succinic amide, succinic anhydride, succinic chloride, succinic ether, succinic oxychloride. Also attrib. succinic test.
| 1805 Saunders Min. Waters 386 Various experiments respecting alumine and its relations with the succinic test. 1857 Miller Elem. Chem., Org. iii. §4. 153 The formula of the oxalic, carbonic, and succinic ethers, must be taken as containing one equivalent of the dibasic acid and two equivalents of oxide of ethyl. Ibid. vi. §3. 426 Succinic oxychloride (C8H4O4Cl2). 1862 Ibid. (ed. 2) v. §1. 294 Benzoic and succinic anhydrides. 1868 Watts Dict. Chem. V. 460 Succinic Amides. |
2. Found in amber, as an insect.
| 1836 F. W. Hope in Trans. Entomol. Soc. Lond. I. 133 Observations on Succinic Insects. |