The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Stearic \Ste*ar"ic\ (st[-e]*[a^]r"[i^]k), a. [Cf. F.
   st['e]arique.] (Physiol. Chem.)
   Pertaining to, or obtained from, stearin or tallow;
   resembling tallow.
   [1913 Webster]

   Stearic acid (Chem.), a monobasic fatty acid, obtained in
      the form of white crystalline scales, soluble in alcohol
      and ether. It melts to an oily liquid at 69[deg]C.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

stearic acid
    n 1: a waxy saturated fatty acid; occurs widely as a glyceride
         in animal and vegetable fats [syn: stearic acid,
         octadecanoic acid]