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.

---

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

Congeners include acetaldehyde itself as well as acetone, fusel oil, furfural, methanol's metabolites, polyphenols, histamines, esters, tannins, amines and amides, among others.

From Scientific American

Some fusel oil, glycerin and succinic acid appear to be formed simultaneously, but in small amount.

From Project Gutenberg

Pure ethyl alcohol intoxication, indeed, is rarely seen, being modified in the case of spirits by the higher alcohols contained in fusel oil.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

The final process is to run the liquor through a rude charcoal filter, to rid it of most of its fusel oil.

From Project Gutenberg