cetyl alcohol

noun
ce·​tyl alcohol | \ ˈsē-tᵊl- How to pronounce cetyl alcohol (audio) \

Definition of cetyl alcohol

: a waxy crystalline alcohol C16H34O obtained by the saponification of spermaceti or the hydrogenation of palmitic acid and used especially in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations and in making detergents

First Known Use of cetyl alcohol

1863, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for cetyl alcohol

International Scientific Vocabulary cet- (from Latin cetus whale) + -yl; from its occurrence in spermaceti

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More Definitions for cetyl alcohol

cetyl alcohol

noun

Medical Definition of cetyl alcohol

: a waxy crystalline alcohol C16H34O obtained by the saponification of spermaceti or the hydrogenation of palmitic acid and used especially in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations and in making detergents