capric acid

noun

cap·​ric acid ˈka-prik- How to pronounce capric acid (audio)
: a fatty acid C10H20O2 found in fats and oils and used in flavors and perfumes

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin capr-, caper goat; from its odor — more at capriole

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near capric acid

Cite this Entry

“Capric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capric%20acid. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

capric acid

noun
cap·​ric acid ˌkap-rik- How to pronounce capric acid (audio)
: a fatty acid C10H20O2 found in fats and oils and used in flavors and perfumes

called also decanoic acid

More from Merriam-Webster on capric acid

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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