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Definition of "phthalic" [phthal•ic]

  • Of, relating to, or derived from naphthalene. (adjective)
  • Relating to phthalic acid. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "phthalic" in a sentence
  • "Skerra 2002 Generation of anticalins with specificity for a non-symmetric phthalic acid ester."
  • "You also could be tested for another breakdown product (phthalic acid), but this test would not be specific for DEHP."
  • "Pour in equal measures of each solution (fig. 2) — and watch with glee as it lights up (fig. 3). The hydrogen peroxide solution oxidizes the luminol, producing 3-amino phthalic acid."