valeric acid

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of several isomeric organic acids having the formula C 5 H 10 O 2 , the common one being a liquid of pungent odor obtained from valerian roots: used chiefly as an intermediate in perfumery.

valeric acid

noun

1. another name for pentanoic acid

valeric acid

/ və-lîr′ĭk,-lĕr′- /

1. A colorless, liquid organic acid that occurs in four isomeric forms and has a disagreeable odor. It occurs naturally in oils from certain marine animals and plants, and is used in flavorings, perfumes, plasticizers, and pharmaceuticals. Chemical formula: C 5 H 10 O 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of valeric acid¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

In contrast, the treatment of BMDCs with valeric acid enhanced their antigen presentation ability.

From Science Daily

Small quantities of valeric acid, higher alcohols, and odorous products were formed.

From Project Gutenberg

Marquardt,8 like Betelli, extracts the fusel oil from alcohol by means of chloroform, and by oxidation converts it into valeric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

Upon conducting further analyses, the team found that treating dendritic cells with valeric acid led to an increase in the uptake of soluble proteins, insoluble beads, and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

From Science Daily