fusel oil

American  

[fyoo-zuhl, -suhl] / ˈfyu zəl, -səl /

noun

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

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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

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of fusel oil

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

Example Sentences

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

Jorissen5 tests for fusel oil by adding 10 drops of colorless aniline and 2 to 3 drops of hydrochloric acid to 10 c.c. of the alcohol.

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

The chief constituent of the fusel oil procured in the manufacture of alcohol from potatoes and grain, usually known as fusel oil and potato-spirit, is isoprimary amyl alcohol, or isobutylcarbinol.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 "Frost" to "Fyzabad" 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