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Glite Dictionary
PABA

PABA

1 9.2
A substance in yeast and liver used in sunscreens and medicines
  • noun
  • /ˈpɑːbə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : PABA
  • - it's paba-free.
  • PABA: Para-aminobenzoic
  • para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
  • PABA acid

Examples

  • Some people are allergic to PABA and develop a rash from sunscreens that contain it.

  • Subjects who had used antiviral agents within 30 days before enrollment and those with contact hypersensitivity to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)-based sunscreens were excluded, and female patients were required to have a negative pregnancy test before entry to the study.

    Academic text (1991)

  • Active ingredients such as PABA undergo a chemical change when exposed to sunlight and prevent tanning and burning.

  • While it is effective, PABA can cause allergic reactions for those with sensitive skin—look for PABA-free products.

Synonyms

para-aminobenzoic acid
vsPABA
  • Specialized
7.2

A chemical found in yeast and liver cells used to make dyes, medicines, and sunscreen

is the same compound commonly named by its abbreviation

Surface Forms

PABA singular
PABAs plural

Etymology

PABA is a short name made from the first letters of para-aminobenzoic acid. A helpful way to remember it is to break the parts: para- means 'next to', amino is a 'part that has nitrogen', benzoic names a common acid group, and acid means 'a type of chemical', so the name itself tells you about the chemical parts of PABA and why it is used in sunscreens and drugs.