isoamyl

[ ahy-soh-am-il ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. containing the isoamyl group; isopentyl.

Word History and Origins

Origin of isoamyl¹

iso- + amyl

Example Sentences

Fermentation produces everything from isoamyl acetate, which makes German Hefeweizens taste of banana, to the clove notes of 4-VG.

From Nature

As an undergraduate chemistry student at the University of Georgia, he remembers the banana aroma created in his organic chemistry lab from isoamyl acetate and his research on the enzyme kinetics behind an apple slice turning brown.

From US News

San Francisco, Calif. Banana Oil Sirs: Banana oil, so called because of its odor resembling bananas, is isoamyl acetate, prepared synthetically and not from bananas as you would have us believe in your article under Colombia, issue of Dec. 17.

From Time Magazine Archive

Definitely harmful among those identified are acetaldehyde and isoamyl alcohol.

From Time Magazine Archive