fusel oil

[ fyoo-zuhl, -suhl ]

noun

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

fusel oil

/ 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

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fusel oil¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fusel oil¹

C19: from German Fusel bad spirits

Example Sentences

The English spirit, on the other hand, owes its odor to fusel oil.

From Project Gutenberg

The oil of potato spirit is the purest form of crude fusel oil.

From Project Gutenberg

In England fusel oil is chiefly used for lamps and varnishes.

From Project Gutenberg

There are two main applications in this class—to separate cream from milk and fusel oil from alcoholic liquors.

From Project Gutenberg

There are many poisonous pretenders to Scotch whiskey; and it is when fusel-oil masquerades as pure spirit that the evil comes.

From Project Gutenberg