Hydroxy acid

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

hydroxy acid
    n 1: any acid that has hydroxyl groups in addition to the
         hydroxyl group in the acid itself

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Hydroxy- \Hy*drox"y-\ (Chem.)
   A combining form, also used adjectively, indicating hydroxyl
   as an ingredient.
   [1913 Webster]

   {Hydroxy acid} (Chem.), an organic acid, having (besides the
      hydroxyl group of the carboxyl radical) an alcoholic
      hydroxyl group, and thus having the qualities of an
      alcohol in addition to its acid properties; as, lactic and
      tartaric acids are hydroxy acids.
      [1913 Webster]