adipocere

[ ad-uh-poh-seer ]

noun

1. a waxy substance produced by the decomposition of dead animal bodies in moist burial places or under water.

adipocere

/ ˈædɪpəʊˌsɪə; ˌædɪˈpɒsərəs; ˌædɪpəʊˈsɪə /

noun

1. a waxlike fatty substance formed during the decomposition of corpses Nontechnical namegrave-wax

Derived Forms

• adipocerous, adjective

Other Words From

• ad·i·poc·er·ous [ad-, uh, -, pos, -er-, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adipocere¹

1795–1805; < French adipocire, equivalent to adipo- adipo- + cire wax < Latin cēra; English e by association with cēra; cere ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of adipocere¹

C19: via French from New Latin adiposus fat (see adipose ) + French cire wax

Example Sentences

He is the first to observe and describe that curious product of the decomposition of flesh known to modern chemists as adipocere.

From Project Gutenberg

Hatchettine or rock-fat is sometimes called adipocere; and bog-butter is a substance nearly similar to it.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides, dead animal matter38 can be worked up more profitably than in making artificial adipocere.

From Project Gutenberg

There was not a trace of adipocere—the peculiar waxy soap that forms in bodies that decay in water or in a damp situation.

From Project Gutenberg

The autopsy on the exhumed body of Perrotte Mace was inconclusive, owing to the condition of adipocere.

From Project Gutenberg