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

But for others, aspirin may still be the right choice. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 25 June 2024

Medications: These include anticonvulsants (seizure treatments) and aspirin. —Yuliya Klochan, Health, 19 June 2024

The station has too many headaches and not enough cash to pay for the aspirin. —Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 13 Apr. 2024

Historically, medicine has acted through increasingly sophisticated forms of chemistry: aspirin blocks a pro-inflammatory enzyme; Lipitor inhibits the synthesis of cholesterol. —Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 13 June 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