diacetyl

1 of 2

adjective

: containing two acetyl groups

diacetyl

2 of 2

noun

: a greenish yellow liquid compound (CH3CO)2 that has an odor like that of quinone, that is chiefly responsible for the odor of butter and contributes to the aroma of coffee and tobacco, and that is used as a flavoring agent in foods (as margarine)

called also biacetyl

Dictionary Entries Near diacetyl

Cite this Entry

“Diacetyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/diacetyl. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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