biacetyl

American  

[bahy-uh-seet-l, -set-l, bahy-as-i-tl] / ˌbaɪ əˈsit l, -ˈsɛt l, baɪˈæs ɪ tl /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a yellow, water-soluble liquid, C 4 H 6 O 2 , occurring in butter and in certain essential oils, as bay, and also synthesized: used chiefly to augment the flavor and odor of vinegar, coffee, and other foods.

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Etymology

Origin of biacetyl

bi- ¹ + acetyl