vəˈlirik-, -lerik- noun
also va·le·ri·an·ic acid -|lirē|anik-
Etymology: valerian + -ic; from its occurrence in the root of valerian
: any of four isomeric fatty acids C 4 H 9 COOH or a mixture of two or more of them:
a. : a liquid normal acid CH 3 (CH 2 ) 3 COOH that has a disagreeable odor, that is found in pyroligneous acid and petroleum distillates, that is made synthetically (as by oxidation of normal pentyl alcohol or by fermentation), and that is used in organic synthesis — called also pentanoic acid
b. : isovaleric acid
c. : a liquid acid CH 3 CH 2 CH(CH 3 )COOH existing in three optically isomeric forms and occurring usually in the dextrorotatory form in a few essential oils; α-methyl-butyric acid
d. : pivalic acid