n. a colourless sharp-smelling liquid carboxylic acid used for inhibiting the growth of mould in bread.
Usage:
Chem. formula: C2H5COOH. Also called PROPANOIC ACID.
Derivatives:
propionate n.
Etymology: F propionique, formed as PRO-(2) + Gk pion fat, as being the first in the series of 'true' fatty acids