Propionic

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Propionic \Pro`pi*on"ic\, a. [Proto- + Gr. pi`wn fat.] (Chem.)
     Pertaining to, derived from, or designating, an organic acid
     which is produced in the distillation of wood, in the
     fermentation of various organic substances, as glycerin,
     calcium lactate, etc., and is obtained as a colorless liquid
     having a sharp, pungent odor. Propionic acid is so called


     because it is the first or lowest member of the fatty acid
     series whose salts have a fatty feel.
     [1913 Webster]