palmitic, a. Chem.
(pælˈmɪtɪk)
[ad. F. palmitique (Frémy 1840), arbitrarily f. L. palma palm n.1 (or ? F. palmite pith of the palm-tree) + -ic.
The natural formations from palma would have been palmic, palmin, etc.; but these were preoccupied by derivatives of Palma Christi (castor oil).]
Of or obtained from palm-oil; in palmitic acid: a fatty acid (C16H32O2) contained in palm-oil and in vegetable and animal fats generally; a colourless substance, without taste or smell, lighter than water, solid at ordinary temperatures.
| 1857 Miller Elem. Chem. III. 394 Palmitic Acid..is obtained most readily from palm oil, the solid portion of which consists chiefly of the glycerin compound of palmitic acid. 1871 Roscoe Elem. Chem. 334 This palmitic acid bears the same relation to cetyl alcohol as acetic acid does to common or ethyl alcohol. |