hydroxy acid

Other forms: hydroxy acids

Definitions of hydroxy acid

1. noun

   any acid that has hydroxyl groups in addition to the hydroxyl group in the acid itself
   types:

   hydroxybenzoic acid

   a crystalline derivative of benzoic acid

   juniperic acid

   a crystalline acid found in the exudations of some conifers

   2-hydroxybenzoic acid, salicylic acid

   a white crystalline substance with a bitter aftertaste; used as a fungicide or in making aspirin or dyes or perfumes

   tartaric acid

   an acid found in many fruits; used in soft drinks and confectionery and baking powder

   racemic acid

   the optically inactive form of tartaric acid that is often found in grape juice

   type of:

   acid

   any of various water-soluble compounds having a sour taste and capable of turning litmus red and reacting with a base to form a salt