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valeric acid

noun va·le·ric acid \ və-ˈlir-ik- , -ˈler- \

Definition of valeric acid

: any of four isomeric fatty acids C5H10O2 or a mixture of these; especially : a liquid acid of disagreeable odor obtained from valerian or made synthetically and used especially in organic synthesis

Origin and Etymology of valeric acid

valer(ian) + 1-ic (after French acide valérique); from its occurrence in the root of valerian

Medical Dictionary

valeric acid

noun va·le·ric acid \ və-ˌlir-ik- \
variants: also valerianic acid play \və-ˌlir-ē-ˌan-ik-\

medical Definition of valeric acid

: any of four isomeric fatty acids C5H10O2 or a mixture of two or more of them:
a : a liquid normal acid that has a disagreeable odor and that is used in organic synthesis — called also pentanoic acid
b : isovaleric acid
c : a liquid acid existing in three optically isomeric forms and occurring usually in the dextrorotatory form in a few essential oils
d : pivalic acid

Learn More about valeric acid

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about valeric acid

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