butyric acid

noun

Definition of butyric acid

: either of two isomeric fatty acids C₄H₈O₂; especially : the straight-chain acid of unpleasant odor normally found in perspiration and rancid butter

See butyric acid defined for kids

Recent Examples of butyric acid from the Web

Ghee is high in Omega-3s and butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid thought to be good for your gastrointestinal tract.

— aliza abarbanel, Bon Appetit, "What Is Ghee, the Clarified Butter We Could Eat by the Spoon?," 5 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'butyric acid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of butyric acid

1826

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

butyric acid

noun

medical Definition of butyric acid

: either of two isomeric fatty acids C₄H₈O₂:

a : a normal acid of unpleasant odor found in rancid butter and in perspiration

b : isobutyric acid

Learn More about butyric acid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about butyric acid

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up butyric acid? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

jabberwocky

play

meaningless speech or writing

BROWSE DICTIONARY

butyrate

butyric

butyric acid

butyric fermentation

butyrinase

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

Name that Fruit!

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games