Indicator, Reagent, or Diagnostic Aid
acetic acid Audio
a·ce·tic ac·id [ uh-see-tik a-sid ]
Brand Names:
Earsol-HC; Fem pH; Mal-A-Ket; Relagard
May Treat:
Otitis Externa; Urinary Bladder Diseases; Vaginosis, Bacterial
More Information:
ChemID; DrugBank; DailyMed; PDR
Definitions related to acetic acid:
  • A synthetic carboxylic acid with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Although its mechanism of action is not fully known, undissociated acetic acid may enhance lipid solubility allowing increased fatty acid accumulation on the cell membrane or in other cell wall structures. Acetic acid, as a weak acid, can inhibit carbohydrate metabolism resulting in subsequent death of the organism.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • An acid found in vinegar. Acetic acid is also used to dissolve substances needed to make some medicines and other products, such as plastics.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Product of the oxidation of ethanol and of the destructive distillation of wood. It is used locally, occasionally internally, as a counterirritant and also as a reagent. (Stedman, 26th ed)
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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