propionic acid
noun
pro·pi·on·ic acid ˌprō-pē-ˈä-nik- 
: a liquid sharp-odored fatty acid C3H6O2 found in milk and distillates of wood, coal, and petroleum and used especially as a mold inhibitor and flavoring agent
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Stewart Adams and his associate John Nicholson invented a pharmaceutical drug known as 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid. 
David Kindy, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 June 2020 Dow Industrial Solutions is expanding its propionic acid facility in Texas City. Andrea Rumbaugh, Houston Chronicle, 11 Dec. 2017
David Kindy, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 June 2020 Dow Industrial Solutions is expanding its propionic acid facility in Texas City. Andrea Rumbaugh, Houston Chronicle, 11 Dec. 2017 Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary pro- entry 1 + Greek piōn fat; akin to Sanskrit pīvan swelling, fat
First Known Use
1850, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
propionic acid
noun
pro·pi·on·ic acid ˌprō-pē-ˌän-ik-
: a liquid sharp-odored fatty acid C3H6O2 found in milk and distillates of wood, coal, and petroleum
called also propanoic acid