a. [ad. F. stéarique (Chevreul c. 1819) f. Gr. στέαρ fat, tallow: see -IC.] a. Chem. Derived from or containing stearin. Stearic acid (C18H36O2), an organic acid found mixed with palmitin and olein in most tallows. Stearic ether, a compound of stearic acid with the alcohol radicals. b. Stearic candle: the trade name of a kind of candle made of the ‘stearine’ of commerce.
1831. T. P. Jones, New Convers. Chem., xxx. 304. In the conversion of suet into soap, a third acid, called stearic, has also been detected.
1836–9. Brande, in Todd’s Cycl. Anat., II. 233/2. The stearic portion of train oil … concretes … at a temperature between 70° and 80°.
1838. R. D. Thomson, in Brit. Annual, 348. Stearic ether.
1852. Royle, in Lect. Gt. Exhib., 485. The wax candles from Patna, and the stearic candles … from Calcutta.
1898. Allbutt’s Syst. Med., V. 35. Fatty crystals (palmitic and stearic) … are also found.
