caprylic acid

noun

ca·​pryl·​ic acid kə-ˈpri-lik- How to pronounce caprylic acid (audio)
: a fatty acid C8H16O2 of rancid odor occurring in fats and oils and used especially in the synthesis of esters for perfumes

Examples of caprylic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Coconut oil Thanks to caprylic acid, a component of coconut oil, this slimy substance may help with infant thrush. Nicole Harris, Parents, 28 June 2023 Formulated with coco-caprylate, a derivative of coconut alcohol and caprylic acid, the cream preemptively soothes any inflammation and irritation. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Oct. 2022 This drying effect is balanced by coco-caprylate, an emollient gel derived from coconut oil and caprylic acid, which moisturizes the underarms for soft, soothed skin. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 10 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'caprylic 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 capryl, a radical contained in it

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caprylic acid was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near caprylic acid

Cite this Entry

“Caprylic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caprylic%20acid. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

caprylic acid

noun
ca·​pryl·​ic acid kə-ˌpril-ik- How to pronounce caprylic acid (audio)
: a fatty acid C8H16O2 of rancid odor occurring in fats and oils and used in perfumes

called also octanoic acid

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