ˈasp(ə)rə̇n, ˈaas- also -pərn noun
( plural aspirin or aspirins )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary, a cetyl + spir- (from spiraeic acid, old name for salicylic acid (from International Scientific Vocabulary spirae- — from New Latin Spiraea — + -ic + acid; originally formed as German spirsäure ) + -in; originally formed in German
1. : a white crystalline compound CH 3 COOC 6 H 4 COOH of salicylic acid used especially in tablet form as an antipyretic and analgesic like the salicylates but producing fewer undesirable effects — called also acetylsalicylic acid
2. : a tablet of aspirin