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The Collaborative International Dictionary
decanoic acid

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

  1. CO

  2. 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
decanoic acid

n. (context fatty acid English) capric acid

WordNet
decanoic acid

n. a fatty acid found in animal oils and fats; has an unpleasant smell resembling goats [syn: capric acid]

Wikipedia
Decanoic acid
For the term capric as it related to music see Capriccio (music)

Decanoic acid (capric acid) is a saturated fatty acid. Its formula is CH(CH)COOH. Salts and esters of decanoic acid are called decanoates or "caprates". The term capric acid is derived from the Latin "caper / capra" (goat) because the sweaty, unpleasant smell of the compound is reminiscent of goats.