A thin, fragrant, colorless oil,
HO.C6H4.CHO, found in the flowers of meadow sweet (
Spiræa), and also obtained by oxidation of salicin, saligenin, etc. It reddens on exposure. Called also
salicylol,
salicylic aldehyde, and formerly
salicylous acid or spiroylous acid. [
1913 Webster]