Definition

A type of medicine that is used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and decrease inflammation. It is often taken in tablet form and is also known as acetylsalicylic acid.

Example

I took an aspirin to help with my headache.

Conversation

I have a headache that's just not going away.

You should try taking some aspirin; it usually helps me.

Yeah, I think I have some in my bag.

Good idea! A couple of tablets should do the trick.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Aspirin is derived from the trade name 'Aspirin', which was created by the German pharmaceutical company Bayer in the late 19th century. The name combines 'a' (from 'acetyl') and 'spir' (from 'Spiraea', the genus of meadowsweet, a plant from which salicylic acid was originally derived) with the suffix '-in', commonly used in chemical compounds. Thus, it refers to a compound derived from acetylsalicylic acid, which has pain-relieving properties.

Memory Tip

Think of 'acetyl' and 'Spiraea' coming together to form a pain-relieving compound — that's how aspirin helps relieve pain.

Visually Confused Words