sal·i·cyl·ic ac·id / ˌsaləˈsilik/ • n. Chem. a bitter compound, C₆H₄(OH)(COOH), present in certain plants. It is used as a fungicide and in the manufacture of aspirin and dyestuffs.DERIVATIVES: sa·lic·y·late / səˈlisəˌlāt; -lit/ n.

salicylic acid (C₇H₆O₃) Colourless, crystalline solid, derivatives of which are used as analgesics (including aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid), antiseptics, dyes, and liniments. It occurs naturally in plants, including willow bark and oil of wintergreen.

salicylic acid (1-hydroxybenzoic acid) A naturally occurring carboxylic acid, HOC₆H₄COOH, found in certain plants. It is used in making aspirin and in the foodstuffs and dyestuffs industries.

salicylic acid (sal-i-sil-ik) n. a drug that causes the skin to peel and destroys bacteria and fungi. It is applied to the skin, alone or in combination with other agents, to treat warts, corns, callus, acne, dandruff, psoriasis, and fungal infections. Trade names: Cuplex, Duofilm, Salactol, Verrugon, etc.