Butanoic

/ˌbjuːtəˈnoʊɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or derived from butyric acid, a saturated fatty acid with four carbon atoms found in butter and some foods.

Etymology

From 'butyl' (four carbons) combined with '-noic,' the suffix for carboxylic acids. Named in the 19th century to describe the acid found in butter.

Kelly Says

Butyric acid is why rancid butter smells terrible and why your stomach gurgles—it's a natural short-chain fatty acid that your gut microbes produce, and it's actually beneficial for your colon health.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.