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propionic acid

(prō′pē än′ik)

a colorless, sharp-smelling, liquid fatty acid, CHCHCOH, found in chyme and sweat, and produced from ethanol and carbon monoxide: used in making artificial flavors, perfume esters, preservatives, etc.

Origin: pro(to)- + Gr piōn, fat (for IE base see fat) + -ic

See propionic acid in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A liquid fatty acid, CH₃CH₂COOH, found naturally in sweat, in milk products, and as a product of bacterial fermentation. Prepared synthetically from ethyl alcohol and carbon monoxide, it is used chiefly in the form of its propionates as a mold inhibitor in bread and as an ingredient in perfume. Also called propanoic acid.

Origin:

Origin: Greek pro-, first; see pro-²

Origin: + Greek pīōn, fat (from the fact that it is first in order among the fatty acids); see peiə- in Indo-European roots

Origin: + -ic

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