pristane

noun

pris·​tane ˈpri-ˌstān How to pronounce pristane (audio)
: an isoprenoid hydrocarbon C19H40 that usually accompanies phytane

Word History

Etymology

Latin pristis shark, sawfish; from its occurrence in the liver oils of sharks

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pristane was in 1923

Dictionary Entries Near pristane

Cite this Entry

“Pristane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pristane. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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