terephthalic acid

noun Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble solid, C8H6O2, the para isomer of phthalic acid: used chiefly in the manufacture of resins and textile fibers.

noun

1. a white crystalline water-insoluble carboxylic acid used in making polyester resins such as Terylene; 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid. Formula: C 6 H 4 (COOH) 2