noun Chemistry.
- a white, crystalline, water-insoluble solid, C16H32O2, obtained by hydrolysis from palm oil and natural fats, in which it occurs as the glyceride, and from spermaceti: used in the manufacture of soap.
noun
- a white crystalline solid that is a saturated fatty acid: used in the manufacture of soap and candles. Formula: (C 15 H 31)COOHSystematic name: hexadecanoic acid
n.
- A saturated fatty acid occurring in palm oil and other fats.hexadecanoic acid
- A saturated fatty acid occurring as combustible white crystals in many natural oils (such as spermaceti and palm oil) and fats. It is used in making soaps. Chemical formula: C16H32O2.