Chem. [f. Gr. στέαρ fat (see STEARIC) + ἔρ-ος (Ionic εἶρος) wool + -IN.] A fatty substance analogous to stearin found in the oil of sheep’s wool. So Stearerate [-ATE4], a salt derived from stearerin.
1868. Watts, Dict. Chem., V. 412. The fat contained in the wool of Merino sheep is … a mixture of more liquid fat, elaerin, and a more solid fat, stearerin…. When treated with strong potash-ley, it yields a salt, stearerate of potassium.
