propionitrile

noun

pro·​pio·​nitrile
¦prōpēō+
: a toxic volatile liquid nitrile C2H5CN that yields propionic acid and ammonia on hydrolysis and is used chiefly as a solvent

called also ethyl cyanide

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary propion- + nitrile

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!

Dictionary Entries Near propionitrile

Cite this Entry

“Propionitrile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propionitrile. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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