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

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

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary pro- entry 1 + Greek piōn fat; akin to Sanskrit pīvan swelling, fat

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Medical 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