aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈa-sp(ə-)rən 

plural aspirin or aspirins

1

: a white crystalline derivative C₉H₈O₄ of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever

2

: a tablet of aspirin

Examples of aspirin in a Sentence

Aspirin is effective in controlling headaches.

Recent Examples on the Web

These blood clots would benefit from the patient taking aspirin. —Mill Etienne, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Complications such as preeclampsia, a spike in blood pressure that can lead to premature births, can also be avoided by prescribing low doses of aspirin to people at high risk, Tabales says. —Kristal Dixon, Axios, 25 Nov. 2024

Evidence suggests that resveratrol may decrease inflammation and pain similarly to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen.2 How To Take Resveratrol Resveratrol can be found naturally in red wine, red grape skins, purple grape juice, berries, and peanuts. —Barbie Cervoni, Health, 23 Nov. 2024

While aspirin can have benefits in heart attack treatment, no one should take daily low-dose aspirin during a heart attack or as a preventive treatment unless advised to do so by your healthcare provider. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from acetyl + spiraeic acid (former name of salicylic acid), from New Latin Spiraea, genus of shrubs — more at spirea

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈas-p(ə-)rən 

1

: a white drug used as a remedy for pain and fever

2

: a tablet of aspirin

Medical Definition

aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈas-p(ə-)rən 

plural aspirin or aspirins

1

: a white crystalline derivative C₉H₈O₄ of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever

2

: a tablet of aspirin