caproic acid

noun

ca·​pro·​ic acid kə-ˈprō-ik- How to pronounce caproic acid (audio)
: a liquid fatty acid C6H12O2 that is found as a glycerol ester in fats and oils or made synthetically and used in pharmaceuticals and flavorings

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin capr-, caper

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caproic acid was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near caproic acid

Cite this Entry

“Caproic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caproic%20acid. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

caproic acid

noun
ca·​pro·​ic acid kə-ˌprō-ik- How to pronounce caproic acid (audio)
: a liquid fatty acid C6H12O2 that is found as a glycerol ester in fats and oils or made synthetically and used in pharmaceuticals and flavors

called also hexanoic acid

More from Merriam-Webster on caproic acid

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!