The Collaborative International Dictionary
Capric \Cap"ric\, a. [L. caper goat.] (Chem.) Of or pertaining to capric acid or its derivatives. Capric acid (also called decanoic acid), C9H19.CO.OH, Caprylic acid (also called octanoic acid), C7H15.CO2.H, and Caproic acid (also called hexanoic acid), C5H1
CO
H, are fatty acids occurring in small quantities in butter, cocoanut oil, etc., united with glycerin; they are colorless oils, or white crystalline solids, of an unpleasant odor like that of goats or sweat. [1913 Webster] ||
Wiktionary
n. (context fatty acid English) A fatty acid, CH3(CH2)6COOH, obtained from butter and other animal fats, and used in the manufacture of perfumes and flavours.
WordNet
n. a fatty acid having a rancid taste; found in butter and other fats and oils
Wikipedia
Caprylic acid is the common name for the eight-carbon saturated fatty acid known by the systematic name octanoic acid. Its compounds are found naturally in the milk of various mammals, and as a minor constituent of coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It is an oily liquid that is minimally soluble in water with a slightly unpleasant rancid-like smell and taste.
Two other acids are named after goats: caproic (C6) and capric (C10). Along with caprylic acid these total 15% in goat milk fat.
Usage examples of "caprylic acid".
It also furnishes sebacic acid which is employed in the manufacture of candles, and caprylic acid, which enters into the composition of varnishes, especially suitable for the polishing of high-class furniture and carriage bodies.