Chem., Pharm.
a white, crystalline, slightly water-soluble powder, C 7 H 6 O 2 , usually derived from benzoin or other balsams, or synthesized from phthalic acid or toluene: used chiefly as a preservative, in the synthesis of dyes, and in medicine as a germicide. Also called benzenecarboxylic acid, phenylformic acid .
[ 1785-95 ]