Definition of adipocere
: a waxy substance consisting chiefly of fatty acids and calcium soaps that is formed during decomposition of dead body fat in moist or wet anaerobic conditions
Explore M-W
Origin and Etymology of adipocere
modification of French adipocire, from adip- + cire wax, from Latin cera — more at cerumen
First Known Use: 1800
Medical Dictionary
adipocere
play
noun
ad·i·po·cere
\ˈad-ə-pə-ˌsi(ə)r\
Medical Definition of adipocere
: a waxy or unctuous brownish substance consisting chiefly of fatty acids and calcium soaps produced by chemical changes affecting dead body fat and muscle long buried or immersed in moisture
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up adipocere? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!