/meuh ris"tik/ , Chem.
an oily, white crystalline compound, C 14 H 28 O 2 , insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and ether: used in soaps, cosmetics, and in the synthesis of esters for flavors and perfumes.
[ 1840-50; Myristica the nutmeg genus (the acid is a constituent of oil derived from nutmeg and related plants) myristiké, fem. of myristikós fragrant, akin to mýron perfume, unguent ]