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.

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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

See Examples For:

fusel oil

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

From Time Magazine Archive

To detect very minute quantities of fusel oil, the chloroform extracts are treated with several drops of sulphuric acid and enough potassium permanganate to keep the solution red for twenty-four hours.

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

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

What is the peculiar effect of fusel oil?

From Hygienic Physiology : with Special Reference to the Use of Alcoholic Drinks and Narcotics by Steele, Joel Dorman

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