aspirin

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A tablet containing this substance.

   "It nearly drove me insane. I took heaven alone knows how many aspirins."

2. 2
   noun

   the acetylated derivative of salicylic acid

3. 3
   noun

   an analgesic drug, acetylsalicylic acid

4. 4
   name

   A marketed variety of acetylsalicylic acid.

Etymology

Genericized trademark of German Aspirin, from acetylierte Spirsäure (literally “acetylated spiraeic acid”). The trade name Aspirin is a registered trademark in some countries, but has entered the English language in generic usage, as various German trademarks were nullified in the United States after World War I (see also heroin).