Erucic

/ɪˈrusɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or derived from erucic acid, a fatty acid found in rapeseed oil and mustard oil.

Etymology

Formed from 'eruca' (arugula/mustard plant) plus the chemical suffix '-ic.' The acid was named for its presence in these mustard family plants.

Kelly Says

Erucic acid was once common in vegetable oils, but it was largely bred out because it's slightly toxic—modern canola is basically 'erucic acid-free rapeseed,' the result of deliberate agricultural engineering.

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