butyric acid

From Ancient Greek βούτυρος (boúturos, “butter”), from which it can be isolated.

butyric acid (plural butyric acids)

1. (organic chemistry) Either of the two isomeric carboxylic acids, normal butyric acid and isobutyric acid, with the chemical formula C₃H₇COOH, occurring in animal milk fat.
2. (organic chemistry) Solely the straight chain isomer of the above, normal butyric acid or n-butyric acid, CH₃(CH₂)₂COOH, a short chain fatty acid; its glyceride is one of the principle components of the flavour of butter.

• butanoic acid

• butyrate
• The widely used but- prefix