Valeric

1 definition found

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

  Valeric \Va*ler"ic\, a. (Chem.)
     Valerianic; specifically, designating any one of three
     metameric acids, of which the typical one (called also
     {inactive valeric acid}), {C4H9CO2H}, is obtained from
     valerian root and other sources, as a corrosive, mobile, oily
     liquid, having a strong acid taste, and an odor of old


     cheese.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     {Active valeric acid}, a metameric variety which turns the
        plane of polarization to the right, although formed by the
        oxidation of a levorotatory amyl alcohol.
        [1913 Webster]