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butyric acid
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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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Also called butanoic acid.
Origin of butyric acid
First recorded in 1820–30
Words nearby butyric acid
butyral, butyraldehyde, butyrate, butyrellite, butyric, butyric acid, butyrin, butyrophenone, butyryl, butyryl group, buxom
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use butyric acid in a sentence
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
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Scientific 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
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