Lauric acid \Lauric acid\ (Chem.),
a white, crystalline substance, {CH3.(CH2)10.COOH},
resembling palmitic acid, and obtained from the fruit of the
bay tree, and various other vegetable sources. The sodium
salt ({sodium lauryl sulfate}) is used as a detergent.
Syn: dodecanoic acid, laurostearic acid, dodecoic acid.
[1913 Webster + PJC]