A type of synthetic resin made from alcohol and a polybasic acid, widely used in making modern paints, varnishes, and coatings.
A contraction of 'alkyl' + 'acid', coined in the 1920s by chemists developing new synthetic resins. The shortened term became standard nomenclature for this entire class of polymers.
Alkyd paints revolutionized the art world—they dry faster than oil paint but have that beautiful glossy finish artists loved! The word itself is a perfect example of how scientists create new words by literally mashing parts of longer chemical names together.
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