plural BHAs
: a phenolic antioxidant C11H16O2 used especially to preserve fats and oils in food

BHA

2 of 2

abbreviation or noun

plural BHAs
: beta hydroxy acid
BHAs or a combination of AHAs and BHAs are best for the breakout-prone.Valerie Monroe

Examples of BHA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Abbreviation or noun
The fine was lowered to 1%, or $3,630, to reflect BHA’s financial condition. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026 That mapping tool from BHA allows the public to report problem corners — both to alert potential users and to help identify locations for potential fixes. Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026 As in this moisturizing CeraVe cream, beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is able to penetrate past superficial layers to turn skin into a smooth canvas while fading age spots and hyperpigmentation. Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 24 June 2026 The most critical portion of the retailing segment is Berkshire Hathaway Automotive (BHA), which owns over 80 auto dealerships. Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for BHA

Word History

Etymology

Noun

butylated hydroxyanisole

First Known Use

Noun

1948, in the meaning defined above

Abbreviation Or Noun

1995, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of BHA was in 1948

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Cite this Entry

“BHA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/BHA. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

: a phenolic antioxidant C11H16O2 used especially to preserve fats and oils in food

called also butylated hydroxyanisole

BHA

2 of 2 abbreviation or noun
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