Trichloroacetic acid is a chemical compound with various synonyms that are commonly used in scientific research and other fields. One of the most common synonyms is TCA, which is an abbreviation of the compound name. Another synonym is trichloroethanoic acid, which highlights the presence of three chlorine atoms in the compound. Other synonyms include aceto-trichloride, chloroacetic acid, and ethanoic acid, trichloromethyl ester. Regardless of the synonym used, trichloroacetic acid is a strong acid that is used for various purposes, including as a chemical peeling agent in cosmetic procedures, a herbicide, and as a laboratory reagent.