# butyric acid

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. Either of the two isomeric carboxylic acids, normal butyric acid and isobutyric acid, with the chemical formula C₃H₇COOH, occurring in animal milk fat.
2. Solely the straight chain isomer of the above, normal butyric acid or n-butyric acid, CH₃(CH₂)₂COOH, a short chain fatty acid; its glyceride is one of the principal components of the flavour of butter.

## Etymology
From Ancient Greek βούτυρος (boúturos, “butter”), from which it can be isolated.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/butyric-acid