retinoic acid

noun

ret·​i·​no·​ic acid ˌre-tə-ˈnō-ik- How to pronounce retinoic acid (audio)
: either of two isomers of an acid C20H28O2 derived from vitamin A and used in the treatment of acne:
a
: tretinoin
b
: isotretinoin

Examples of retinoic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Studying retinoic acid in axolotls Axolotls don’t naturally glow in the dark. — Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 12 June 2025 One of the main active derivatives of vitamin A, retinoic acid, impacts hair health and growth. — Laura Schober, Health, 25 Sep. 2025 The formula leans on a retinoid ester, a milder cousin in the retinoid family that converts into retinoic acid through several metabolic steps. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2026 Using computer modeling and large drug screens, the team designed and identified small molecules that blocked the enzymes that produce retinoic acid. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retinoic acid

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retinoic acid was in 1960

Rhymes for retinoic acid

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Browse Nearby Words

retinoblastoma
retinoic acid
retinoid
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Cite this Entry

“Retinoic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retinoic%20acid. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

retinoic acid

noun
ret·​i·​no·​ic acid ˌret-ᵊn-ˌō-ik- How to pronounce retinoic acid (audio)
: either of two isomers of an acid C20H28O2 derived from vitamin A and used especially in the treatment of acne:
a
or all-trans-retinoic acid : tretinoin
b
or 13-cis-retinoic acid : isotretinoin

More from Merriam-Webster on retinoic acid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retinoic acid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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