propionic acid
noun
pro·pi·on·ic acid
ˌprō-pē-ˈä-nik- 
: a liquid sharp-odored fatty acid C3H6O2 found in milk and distillates of wood, coal, and petroleum and used especially as a mold inhibitor and flavoring agent
Examples of propionic acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Common SCFAs include acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid.
—
Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Oct. 2024
SCFAs, such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, support digestive health by fueling the cells lining the colon, regulating inflammation, and strengthening your gut barrier.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 1 Oct. 2024
Beijing responded with restraint to threat of metal curbs, imposing tariffs on US propionic acid, an export market worth $7 million to America last year, according to customs data.
—Josh Wingrove, Fortune Asia, 10 May 2024
Injecting propionic acid, a chemical secreted by Clostridium, into the brains of rats caused symptoms such as frenetic, repetitive, and antisocial behavior, reminiscent of autism.
—Adam Hadhazy, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2011
Some bacteria in the Clostridium genus generate propionic acid, which can reduce your body’s production of mood-boosting dopamine and serotonin.
—Elizabeth Svoboda, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2020
Stewart Adams and his associate John Nicholson invented a pharmaceutical drug known as 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid.
—David Kindy, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 June 2020
Dow Industrial Solutions is expanding its propionic acid facility in Texas City.
—Andrea Rumbaugh, Houston Chronicle, 11 Dec. 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Oct. 2024
SCFAs, such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, support digestive health by fueling the cells lining the colon, regulating inflammation, and strengthening your gut barrier.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 1 Oct. 2024
Beijing responded with restraint to threat of metal curbs, imposing tariffs on US propionic acid, an export market worth $7 million to America last year, according to customs data.
—Josh Wingrove, Fortune Asia, 10 May 2024
Injecting propionic acid, a chemical secreted by Clostridium, into the brains of rats caused symptoms such as frenetic, repetitive, and antisocial behavior, reminiscent of autism.
—Adam Hadhazy, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2011
Some bacteria in the Clostridium genus generate propionic acid, which can reduce your body’s production of mood-boosting dopamine and serotonin.
—Elizabeth Svoboda, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2020
Stewart Adams and his associate John Nicholson invented a pharmaceutical drug known as 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid.
—David Kindy, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 June 2020
Dow Industrial Solutions is expanding its propionic acid facility in Texas City.
—Andrea Rumbaugh, Houston Chronicle, 11 Dec. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Propionic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propionic%20acid. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
propionic acid
noun
pro·pi·on·ic acid
ˌprō-pē-ˌän-ik-
: a liquid sharp-odored fatty acid C3H6O2 found in milk and distillates of wood, coal, and petroleum
called also propanoic acid
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share