valeric acid

noun

va·le·ric acid | \ və-ˈlir-ik-,

\

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about valeric acid

Dictionary Entries near valeric acid

valerian family

Statistics for valeric acid

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for valeric acid

The first known use of valeric acid was in 1857

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for valeric acid

valeric acid

noun

va·le·ric acid | \ və-ˌlir-ik-

\

variants: also valerianic acid \ 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

Comments on valeric acid

What made you want to look up valeric acid? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

liaison

a person who helps groups work together

Test Your Vocabulary

Liar, Liar Quiz

Someone who pretends to be sick in order to avoid work is a:

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games