caˈprylic, a. Chem.
[f. as prec. + -ic.]
caprylic acid (C8H16O2): a fatty acid of a faint but unpleasant odour, found as a glyceride in butter, cocoa-nut oil, etc.; one of the octylic or 8-carbon fatty acids. So caprylic series, etc.
| 1845 Day tr. Simon's Anim. Chem. I. 75 Two of these acids, the capryllic and vaccinic, were discovered only a few months ago. 1859 [see capronic]. 1873 Watts Fownes' Chem. 688. |