butyric acid


nounChemistry.
  1. either of two isomeric acids having the formula C4H8O2, especially a rancid liquid occurring chiefly in spoiled butter, whose esters are used as flavorings.

Origin of butyric acid

1
First recorded in 1820–30

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How to use butyric acid in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for butyric acid

butyric acid

/ (bjuːˈtɪrɪk) /


noun
  1. a carboxylic acid existing in two isomeric forms, one of which produces the smell in rancid butter. Its esters are used in flavouring. Formula: C 3 (CH 2) 2 COOH

Origin of butyric acid

1
C19 butyric, from Latin būtyrum butter

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for butyric acid

butyric acid

[ byōō-tîrĭk ]


  1. Either of two colorless fatty acids found in butter and certain plant oils. It has an unpleasant odor and is used in emulsifying agents, disinfectants and drugs. Chemical formula: C4H8O2.

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