The methyl ester of salicylic acid, C₆H₄(OH)COOCH₃, a colourless to pale-yellow liquid that is the chief constituent of oil of wintergreen and is used in perfumes, as a flavouring, and in analgesic liniments.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Definition of methyl salicylate in US English:
methyl salicylate
noun
Chemistry
The methyl ester of salicylic acid, C₆H₄(OH)COOCH₃, a colourless to pale-yellow liquid that is the chief constituent of oil of wintergreen and is used in perfumes, as a flavouring, and in analgesic liniments.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Encyclopaedia Britannica.