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Glite Dictionary
capric acid

capric acid

8.1
A chemical found in animal fats and milk that gives a goat-like smell
  • noun
  • /ˈkæprɪk ˈæsɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ácido caprílico
  • Researchers studied the effects of capric acid on human metabolism.

Examples

  • Goat milk contains a significant amount of capric acid, which contributes to its distinctive flavor.

  • The smell of capric acid is often compared to that of goats.

  • The unpleasant smell from the animal oils was due to the presence of capric acid.

  • Many animal fats contain capric acid in varying amounts.

  • The unpleasant smell of capric acid can be compared to that of goats in a barn.

  • This nourishing oil contains beneficial vitamin E, lauric acid, and capric acid.

  • In some cases, capric acid can contribute to the distinct aroma of certain animal-derived fats.

Synonyms

decanoic acid
vscapric acid
  • Specialized
7.7

A fatty acid found in animal fats and oils with a strong goat-like smell

is a general fatty compound in animal fats with a similar goat-like odor

Surface Forms

capric acid singular
capric acids plural

Morphology

capric + acid

The element 'capric' is not a productive or familiar English word for B1 learners (it is a technical/Latin-derived form related to 'goat' but this etymology is obscure), so knowing 'acid' alone does not allow a learner to infer the meaning. Because the expression is a specialized chemical name whose semantic link to goats is not transparently available to average learners, the MWE is not compositionally predictable.

Etymology

Capric acid gets its name from the Latin word capra meaning 'goat' because the acid's smell reminded early chemists of goats. So the name points to a 'goat-like' odor and helps you remember this fatty acid.