Definition of 'butyric acid'
butyric acid in British
noun
a carboxylic acid existing in two isomeric forms, one of which produces the smell in rancid butter. Its esters are used in flavouring. Formula: C3(CH2)2COOH
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin of 'butyric acid'
butyric acid in American
a colorless, strong-smelling isomeric fatty acid, CH3CH2CH2COOH, found in rancid butter, perspiration, etc. and used to produce fragrances and flavors
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word Lists
Nearby words of 'butyric acid'
Source
Definition of butyric acid from the
Collins English Dictionary
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Meme Ban, Heart Age & Collagin: September’s Words in the News
Catch up on the latest words in the news this September with Robert Groves.
Read more
Collins Reference Catalogue 2019
View our new 2019 reference catalogue. From dictionaries, phrasebooks, language learning, atlases and maps, general reference and puzzles, you'll be sure to find books that appeal to you.
Read more
Join the Collins community
All the latest wordy news, linguistic insights, offers and competitions every month.
Read more