Lauric acid Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a crystalline fatty acid occurring as glycerides in natural fats and oils (especially coconut oil and palm-kernel oil)
    dodecanoic acid.

WordNet

Definitions
  1. (Chem.), a white, crystalline substance, C12H24O2 or CH3(CH2)10COOH , resembling palmitic acid, and obtained from the fruit of the bay tree, and other sources. Also known as dodecanoic acid, laurostearic acid, dodecoic acid. It is obtained from various vegetable sources. Sodium salt of Lauric acid is used as a detergent.

Webster 1913