amyl

¹

[am-il, ey-mil]

adjective

1. containing an amyl group; pentyl.

noun

1. an amyl group.

amyl-

²

1. variant of amylo-, especially before a vowel.

amyl

/ ˈæmɪl /

noun

1. (modifier, no longer in technical usage) of, consisting of, or containing any of eight isomeric forms of the monovalent group C 5 H 11 - See also pentyl

   amyl group or radical

amyl

1. The radical C ₅ H ₁₁, derived from pentane. Amyl occurs in eight isomeric forms.

2. Also called pentyl

Word History and Origins

Origin of amyl¹

1840–50; < Greek ám ( ylon ) starch ( amylo- ) + -yl, with haplology of am ( yl ) -yl

Word History and Origins

Origin of amyl¹

C19: from Latin: _amylum

Example Sentences

Troye Sivan, “Rush” Better hope your VCR doesn’t need cleaning soon, because this song cleared stores of amyl nitrite.

From Los Angeles Times

Around that time, newspapers were warning about the use of amyl nitrate, also known as poppers.

From BBC

The hazardous material was identified, according to the Coast Guard, as potassium amyl xanthate, a pale-yellow powder used in the mining industry.

From Seattle Times

It’s been identified as potassium amyl xanthate, a pale-yellow powder used in the mining industry.

From Seattle Times

The fire was caused by a combustible chemical powder, potassium amyl xanthate, that’s widely used in the mining industry, officials said.

From Seattle Times