acrolein

[ uh-kroh-lee-in ]

nounChemistry.
  1. a yellow, flammable liquid, C3H4O, having a stifling odor, usually obtained by the decomposition of glycerol: used chiefly in the synthesis of commercial and pharmaceutical products.

Origin of acrolein

1
1855–60; <Latin ācr- (stem of ācer) sharp + olē(re) to smell + -in2

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British Dictionary definitions for acrolein

acrolein

/ (əˈkrəʊlɪɪn) /


noun
  1. a colourless or yellowish flammable poisonous pungent liquid used in the manufacture of resins and pharmaceuticals. Formula: CH 2 :CHCHO

Origin of acrolein

1
C19: from Latin ācer sharp + olēre to smell + -in

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