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nicotinic acid

n.
  1. An organic acid (C6H5NO2), a carboxylated derivative of pyridine, obtained by the oxidation of nicotine; called also niacin and antipellagra vitamin, and vitamin B5. Chemically it is 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid.

It is a cofactor in several enzymatic reactions, and is used to prevent a pellagra-like disease in dogs. [MI11]