Butyric

/bjuːˈtɪrɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or derived from butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid with a sharp, unpleasant smell.

Etymology

From Latin butyrum 'butter' + -ic suffix. Butyric acid was named for being found in butter, though the unpleasant smell comes from rancid (spoiled) butter.

Kelly Says

Butyric acid has such a terrible smell that its presence is how your nose detects rancid milk, parmesan cheese's pungent bite, and even some human body odors—evolution made it noticeably repugnant for good reason!

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