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

Individuals who need to be on blood-thinning medications, including aspirin, should take them as prescribed. —Katia Hetter, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025

And more than three million Americans reported taking aspirin without consulting a medical professional first. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025

The survey also noted that older age groups believed that the benefits of taking a low-dose aspirin daily outweighed the risks. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025

On some nights hundreds were gathered border walls in San Diego, as volunteers passed bandages, aspirin, juice and sandwiches between slats in the barrier. —Eugene Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025

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