fusel oil

American  

[fyoo-zuhl, -suhl] / ˈfju zəl, -səl /

noun

1. a mixture consisting chiefly of amyl alcohols obtained as a by-product in the fermentation of grains.

---

fusel oil British  

/ ˈfjuːzəl /

noun

1. a mixture of amyl alcohols, propanol, and butanol: a by-product in the distillation of fermented liquors used as a source of amyl alcohols

---

fusel oil Scientific  

/ fyo̅o̅′zəl /

1. An acrid, oily, poisonous liquid occurring in the distillation products of fermented alcoholic liquids. Fusel oil is a mixture of amyl alcohols, fatty acids, and esters. It is used in paints, plastics, and varnishes, and in the manufacture of explosives.

---

Etymology

Origin of fusel oil

First recorded in 1850–55; from German Fusel “bad liquor” + oil ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fusel oil

Others are chemically different kinds of alcohol, including fusel oil.

From Time Magazine Archive

For preparation of beverages, fusel oil must be carefully separated from alcohol, as fusel oil has an injurious effect physiologically.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 1 A to Amide by Various

Furfural is a constituent of fusel oil, which is so much dreaded in poor whisky.

From How to Live Rules for Healthful Living Based on Modern Science by Fisher, Irving

If fusel oil is present, its odor may be detected by evaporating the chloroform; or, by treatment with sulphuric acid and sodium acetate, the ether is obtained, which can be readily recognized.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 365, December 30, 1882 by Various

It may be prepared by the general methods, and occurs in fusel oil, especially in potato spirit.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various