definitions

butyric acid

noun Chemistry.

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

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Nearby words

butyraceous, butyral, butyraldehyde, butyrate, butyric, butyric acid, butyrin, butyroid, butyrophenone, butyryl, butyryl group

Origin of butyric acid

First recorded in 1820–30
Also called butanoic acid.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for butyric acid

butyric acid

/ (bjuːˈtɪrɪk) /

noun

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

Word Origin for butyric acid

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

Medicine definitions for butyric acid

butyric acid

[ byōō-tîr′ĭk ]

n.

Either of two colorless isomeric acids occurring in animal milk fats and used in disinfectants, emulsifying agents, and pharmaceuticals.butanoic acid
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for butyric acid

butyric acid

[ byōō-tîr′ĭk ]

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.