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Glite Dictionary
para-aminobenzoic acid

para-aminobenzoic acid

7.2
A chemical found in yeast and liver cells used to make dyes, medicines, and sunscreen
  • noun
  • /ˌpærəˌæmɪnoʊˈbɛnzoʊɪk ˈæsɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ácido para-aminobenzoico
  • Allergic reactions to para-aminobenzoic acid are relatively rare but have been reported.

Examples

  • The para-aminobenzoic acid levels were tested.

  • Researchers measured the level of para-aminobenzoic acid in yeast samples.

  • Many sunscreens contain para-aminobenzoic acid to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays.

  • What is para-aminobenzoic acid?

  • Scientists often use para-aminobenzoic acid in laboratory studies to explore its effects on skin protection.

  • In cosmetics, para-aminobenzoic acid is commonly included in formulations for its UV-blocking properties.

  • The formulation of the new sunscreen includes para-aminobenzoic acid as one of its key active ingredients.

Synonyms

PABA
vspara-aminobenzoic acid
  • Specialized
1 9.2

A substance in yeast and liver used in sunscreens and medicines

is the full scientific name rather than the shortened label

Surface Forms

para-aminobenzoic acid singular
para-aminobenzoic acids plural

Morphology

para-aminobenzoic + acid

The headword contains a specialist chemical name ('para-aminobenzoic') made of technical morphemes (para-, amino-, benzoic) that a B1 learner would not reliably know or be able to parse; only 'acid' signals the general category. Understanding the precise referent (a specific metabolic compound used in dyes, drugs, sunscreen) requires domain knowledge of chemistry rather than simple composition, so the overall meaning is not derivable from the listed constituents.

Etymology

The chemical name para-aminobenzoic acid literally names its parts: benzoic acid is the main ring, amino is a small group attached to it, and para shows the amino sits 'opposite' on the ring. So the name gives a simple picture of the molecule and helps explain why this compound is used in things like 'sunscreen' and medicines.