from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
nicotinic acid \nic`o*tin"ic ac"id\, n. (Chem.)
An organic acid ({C6H5NO2}), a carboxylated derivative of
pyridine, obtained by the oxidation of nicotine; called also
{niacin} and {antipellagra vitamin}, and {vitamin B5}.
Chemically it is 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid.
Note: It is a cofactor in several enzymatic reactions, and is
used to prevent a pellagra-like disease in dogs.
--[MI11]
Syn: 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid, niacin, antipellagra vitamin.
[1913 Webster +PJC]