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Glite Dictionary
caproic acid

caproic acid

8.4
An acid in animal fats with a strong goat-like smell used in flavors and industry
  • noun
  • /ˈkæproʊɪk ˈæsɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ácido caproico
  • The strong odor of caproic acid is reminiscent of goats and can be detected in some cheeses.

Examples

  • Caproic acid is often used in the production of artificial flavors and perfumes.

  • Researchers analyzed the presence of caproic acid in various animal fats.

  • The strong smell of caproic acid is often associated with goats.

  • Many flavorings contain caproic acid for its unique taste.

  • Caproic acid is often used in the production of artificial flavors and perfumes.

  • The strong odor of caproic acid is reminiscent of goats and can be detected in some cheeses.

  • Researchers analyzed the presence of caproic acid in various animal fats.

Synonyms

hexanoic acid
vscaproic acid
  • Specialized
7.9

A fatty acid with six carbon atoms that has a strong smell like goat milk

is the common term highlighting natural source, goat-like smell, and practical uses

Surface Forms

caproic acid singular
caproic acids plural

Morphology

caproic + acid

The modifier 'caproic' is a rare, technical formation (from Latin capra ‘goat’) that is not a decomposable or familiar English word for a B1 learner, and the provided entry even lacks a dictionary definition. Knowing only the common word 'acid' would not allow a learner to infer the specific sense ‘a fatty acid with a goat‑like odor,’ so the expression is not transparently derivable from its parts.

Etymology

Caproic acid may come from an old word capro- meaning 'goat', because the acid often has a strong 'goat-like' smell. So the name is a simple memory hook: think of a strong 'goat-like' smell when you hear caproic acid, which helps explain its use in flavors and some industrial products.