Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Hydroxy-
Hy-drox′y-
.(Chem.)
A combining form, also used adjectively, indicating hydroxyl as an ingredient.
Hydroxy acid
(Chem.)
, an organic acid, having (besides the hydroxyl group of the carboxyl radical) an alcoholic hydroxyl group, and thus having the qualities of an alcohol in addition to its acid properties; as, lactic and tartaric acids are hydroxy acids.