ˈglisəˌrȯl, -rōl noun
( -s )
Etymology: glycer- + -ol
: a sweet syrupy hygroscopic trihydroxy alcohol HOCH 2 CHOHCH 2 OH that occurs combined as glycerides and is formed by alcoholic fermentation of sugars, that is usually obtained as a by-product in the manufacture of soap or fatty acids by the saponification of fats or as a synthetic product from propylene or allyl alcohol, and that is used chiefly as a solvent and plasticizer, as a moistening agent, emollient, and lubricant, as an emulsifying agent, and as a starting material in the manufacture of many derivatives; 1,2,3-propane-triol — called also glycerin ; see alkyd , chlorohydrin , ester gum , nitroglycerin