The spelling of "salicylous" may seem daunting, but with some help from IPA phonetic transcription, it becomes clearer. The word is pronounced /səˈlɪsɪləs/, with the stress on the second syllable. Its spelling comes from the Greek word "salix," meaning willow tree, and the Latin suffix "-ous," meaning full of or characterized by. Salicylous is an adjective that describes anything containing or resembling salicylic acid, a compound often found in willow bark that is also used in skincare products to treat acne and other skin issues.