fusel oil

[ fyoo-zuhl, -suhl ]

noun

1. a mixture consisting chiefly of amyl alcohols obtained as a by-product in the fermentation of grains.

fusel oil

/ ˈfjuːzəl /

noun

1. a mixture of amyl alcohols, propanol, and butanol: a by-product in the distillation of fermented liquors used as a source of amyl alcohols

fusel oil

/ fyo̅o̅′zəl /

1. An acrid, oily, poisonous liquid occurring in the distillation products of fermented alcoholic liquids. Fusel oil is a mixture of amyl alcohols, fatty acids, and esters. It is used in paints, plastics, and varnishes, and in the manufacture of explosives.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fusel oil¹

First recorded in 1850–55; from German Fusel “bad liquor” + oil ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of fusel oil¹

C19: from German Fusel bad spirits

Example Sentences

Congeners include acetaldehyde itself as well as acetone, fusel oil, furfural, methanol's metabolites, polyphenols, histamines, esters, tannins, amines and amides, among others.

From Scientific American

Some fusel oil, glycerin and succinic acid appear to be formed simultaneously, but in small amount.

From Project Gutenberg

Normal propyl alcohol is contained in the fusel oil of the marc brandy of the south of France, and isoprimary butyl alcohol in that of beet-root molasses.

From Project Gutenberg

For preparation of beverages, fusel oil must be carefully separated from alcohol, as fusel oil has an injurious effect physiologically.

From Project Gutenberg

The final process is to run the liquor through a rude charcoal filter, to rid it of most of its fusel oil.

From Project Gutenberg