stearic acid
noun
stea·ric acid
stē-ˈa-rik- 
stē-ˈer-ik-,
ˈstir-ik-
: a white crystalline fatty acid C18H36O2 obtained by saponifying tallow or other hard fats containing stearin
also
: a commercial mixture of stearic and palmitic acids
Examples of stearic acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Dove’s $10 (for a pack of 8) sensitive skin-safe bar soap does exactly that via glycerin, kaolin, and stearic acid.
—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
The researchers also found that nanoscale confinement within the carbon pores increased the activation energy required for stearic acid to undergo phase change.
—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Dec. 2025
Saturated fatty acids like stearic acid and palmitic acid are generally the most effective fatty acids in barrier repair moisturizers because of their molecular structure.
—
Leslie Baumann,
Miami Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Furthermore, 12-hydroxy stearic acid, a fatty acid, is featured across the formulas to support the skin barrier.
—
Emily Burns,
Footwear News,
3 Sep. 2019
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Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
The researchers also found that nanoscale confinement within the carbon pores increased the activation energy required for stearic acid to undergo phase change.
—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Dec. 2025
Saturated fatty acids like stearic acid and palmitic acid are generally the most effective fatty acids in barrier repair moisturizers because of their molecular structure.
—
Leslie Baumann,
Miami Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Furthermore, 12-hydroxy stearic acid, a fatty acid, is featured across the formulas to support the skin barrier.
—
Emily Burns,
Footwear News,
3 Sep. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Stearic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stearic%20acid. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stearic acid
noun
stea·ric acid
stē-ˌar-ik-
ˌsti(ə)r-ik-
ˌsti(ə)r-ik-
: acid obtained by the hydrolysis of a hard fat (as tallow) with alkali
Medical Definition
stearic acid
noun
stea·ric acid
stē-ˌar-ik-
ˌsti(ə)r-ik-
ˌsti(ə)r-ik-
: a white crystalline fatty acid C18H36O2 obtained by saponifying tallow or other hard fats containing stearin
also
: a commercial mixture of stearic and palmitic acids
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