a carboxylic acid existing in two isomeric forms, one of which produces the smell in rancid butter. Its esters are used in flavouring. Formula: C3(CH2)2COOH
Word origin
C19 butyric, from Latin būtyrumbutter
butyric acid in American English
a colorless, strong-smelling isomeric fatty acid, CH3CH2CH2COOH, found in rancid butter, perspiration, etc. and used to produce fragrances and flavors