naphthaleneacetic acid

noun

naph·​tha·​lene·​acetic acid
: either of two crystalline naphthyl derivatives C10H7CH2COOH of acetic acid
especially : the alpha or 1-compound used as a growth regulator for plants (as for preventing drop of apples before normal harvest time)

Word History

Etymology

naphthalene + acetic

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near naphthaleneacetic acid

Cite this Entry

“Naphthaleneacetic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naphthaleneacetic%20acid. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!