How Do You Spell UNDECYLENIC?

Pronunciation: [ˌʌndɪsˈa͡ɪlnɪk] (IPA)

Undecylenic, pronounced ʌnˌdɛsəˈlɛnɪk, is a word that refers to a type of unsaturated fatty acid. The word is spelled with the prefix "un-", which means "not" or "lacking," and the stem "decylenic," which comes from the chemical name for a 10-carbon molecule. The pronunciation of this word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), where each symbol represents a specific sound in the word's pronunciation. This can help ensure proper pronunciation and spelling of the word.

UNDECYLENIC Meaning and Definition

1. Undecylenic is an adjective commonly used in the fields of chemistry and medicine. It refers to a compound or substance that contains or is derived from undecylenic acid. Undecylenic acid is an organic carboxylic acid that has eleven carbon atoms in its chemical structure. It is typically sourced from castor oil or ricinoleic acid, and it is known for its antifungal properties.

   In medicine, undecylenic acid is utilized in various topical preparations, such as creams, ointments, and powders, to help treat and prevent fungal infections, specifically those caused by dermatophytes such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch. It exhibits antifungal activity by interfering with the production of essential components needed for the formation of fungal cell membranes, thereby inhibiting their growth and replication.

   In addition to its medical applications, undecylenic acid also finds use as a component in the manufacture of various cosmetic and personal care products, such as soaps, shampoos, and lotions. It is valued for its moisturizing properties and ability to help maintain healthy skin.

   Overall, the term "undecylenic" pertains to the characteristics, properties, or applications of a compound or substance containing undecylenic acid.

Common Misspellings for UNDECYLENIC

• undecyolenic

Etymology of UNDECYLENIC

The word "Undecylenic" is derived from the combination of two terms: "undecylenic acid" and "enic".

"Undecylenic acid" refers to an unsaturated fatty acid derived from the distillation of castor oil. It is commonly used in the production of various products, including antifungal medications.

The term "enic" is a suffix often used in chemistry to indicate the presence of a double bond in a compound. It is derived from the Greek word "ēnikos", meaning "belonging to a group", which is further derived from the word "genos", meaning "kind" or "race".

By combining the term "undecylenic acid" with the suffix "enic", the word "Undecylenic" is formed, indicating the presence of a double bond in a compound related to undecylenic acid.