propionic acid

noun

pro·​pi·​on·​ic acid ˌprō-pē-ˈä-nik- How to pronounce propionic acid (audio)
: 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 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'propionic acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of propionic acid was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near propionic acid

Cite this Entry

“Propionic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propionic%20acid. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

propionic acid

noun
pro·​pi·​on·​ic acid ˌprō-pē-ˌän-ik- How to pronounce propionic acid (audio)
: a liquid sharp-odored fatty acid C3H6O2 found in milk and distillates of wood, coal, and petroleum

called also propanoic acid

More from Merriam-Webster on propionic acid

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