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ossalico

oxalic

adjective ohs-SAH-lee-koh Rare

Origin: Greek oxalis (wood sorrel plant), from oxys (acid, sharp)

Usage Note

Ossalico appears almost exclusively in the compound acido ossalico (oxalic acid), a naturally occurring acid found in spinach, rhubarb, and other plants. It is toxic in large quantities and can contribute to kidney stone formation. The feminine form is ossalica, the plural forms are ossalici and ossaliche.

Examples

"Gli spinaci contengono acido ossalico."

Natural Translation

Spinach contains oxalic acid.

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