The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
adipic acid \adipic acid\ an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid (HO.CO.(CH2)4.CO.OH), containing six carbon atoms in a linear chain. It is found in beet juice. It is used in the manufacture of synthetic plastics such as Nylon, as well as other products. [PJC]WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
adipic acid n 1: a carboxylic acid used in the manufacture of nylon [syn: hexanedioic acid, adipic acid]