octadecyl
/ˌɒktəˈdɛsʌɪl/ /ˌɒktəˈdɛsɪl/(also octodecyl) Chemistry
noun
Any of the series of hydrocarbon radicals —C18H37 derived from the octadecanes; specifically the straight-chain radical —CH2(CH2)16CH3 (also called stearyl). Usually attributive or a formative element in chemical names.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Journal of the Chemical Society. From octa- + decyl.