hircic acid

English

Etymology

Named by Michel Eugène Chevreul, a French chemist. First use in 1823

Noun

hircic acid (uncountable)

  1. (historical) A type of oily acid (a mixture rich in capric- and caproic acids) made from mutton suet, having an odor similar to that of a goat, used in the early days of the production of soap, and in soup-making.
    • 1824, Walter Scott, The Edinburgh Annual Register - 1823‎:
      Hircic acid is the odorous principle of soap, made of mutton suet, and it exists in so very small quantity....Its smell resembles that of a goat

Synonyms
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