butyric acid

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. either of two isomeric acids having the formula C 4 H 8 O 2 , especially a rancid liquid occurring chiefly in spoiled butter, whose esters are used as flavorings.

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butyric acid British  

/ bjuːˈtɪrɪk /

noun

1. 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

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butyric acid Scientific  

/ byo̅o̅-tîr′ĭk /

1. 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: C ₄ H ₈ O ₂ .

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Etymology

Origin of butyric acid

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Females produce seeds with an outer fleshy layer that contains butyric acid, the signature scent of human vomit.

From National Geographic • Oct. 4, 2023

Talk then turned to the possible use of butyric acid, which can damage skin and eyes.

From Washington Post • Jan. 24, 2017

An eyeless tick’s includes not just the smell of butyric acid, which wafts from mammalian skin, but the years-long wait for a moment of succulent opportunity.

From The New Yorker • May 23, 2016

This partially sours the milk, and creates butyric acid - a compound found in such diverse substances as parmesan cheese and baby spit-up.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2015

Precisely the reverse of all this occurs with the vibrios of butyric acid.

From Fragments of science, V. 1-2 by Tyndall, John