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
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Origin and Etymology of valeric acid
valer(ian) + 1-ic (after French acide valérique); from its occurrence in the root of valerian
First Known Use: 1857
Medical Dictionary
valeric acid
playMedical 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 acidb: isovaleric acidc: a liquid acid existing in three optically isomeric forms and occurring usually in the dextrorotatory form in a few essential oilsd: pivalic acid
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about valeric acid
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