Definition

A type of chemical compound that is derived from salicylic acid, often used in medicine and cosmetics.

Example

Salicylates are commonly found in pain relief medications and skincare products.

Conversation

Have you ever tried using products that contain salicylate?

I think I saw some at the store, but I'm not sure how they work.

They’re great for treating acne because they help exfoliate the skin.

That sounds interesting! I might give them a try if they're effective.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Salicylate is formed from "salix" (meaning willow tree) and "-ate" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote a salt or ester of an acid). The word refers to a salt or ester derived from salicylic acid, which is originally obtained from the willow tree.

Memory Tip

Think of the willow tree ('salix') when remembering that 'salicylate' refers to a compound derived from salicylic acid, which comes from the willow.

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