alkanoic acid

noun

al·​ka·​no·​ic acid

¦alkə¦nōik-

: an aliphatic acid (such as hexanoic acid) regarded as derived from an alkane and containing the same number of carbon atoms as the alkane

Word History

Etymology

alkane + -oic

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!