capric acid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Technical/Scientific)Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “capric acid” mean?
A saturated fatty acid found naturally in animal fats and oils, notably in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A saturated fatty acid found naturally in animal fats and oils, notably in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
In chemistry and industry, a ten-carbon fatty acid used as a precursor in the production of esters for fragrances, flavors, and synthetic lubricants.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling. Pronunciation may follow general accent patterns.
Connotations
None beyond the scientific/technical denotation.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “capric acid” in a Sentence
[Substance] contains capric acid.Capric acid is a component of [oil/fat].Capric acid is used in the manufacture of [product].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “capric acid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The capric acid concentration was measured.
- A capric acid derivative was synthesised.
American English
- The capric acid concentration was measured.
- A capric acid derivative was synthesized.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Might appear in technical specifications for cosmetics, food additives, or industrial chemicals.
Academic
Used in chemistry, biochemistry, and food science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context; refers to a specific chemical compound with formula C₁₀H₂₀O₂.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “capric acid”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capric acid”
- Misspelling as 'capris acid' or 'caprix acid'.
- Confusing it with the similar-sounding 'caprylic acid' (an 8-carbon fatty acid).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its IUPAC name is decanoic acid.
It occurs naturally in the milk of some mammals (like goats and cows) and in tropical oils such as coconut and palm kernel oil.
No. They are both saturated fatty acids, but capric acid has 10 carbon atoms (decanoic acid), while caprylic acid has 8 (octanoic acid).
It is used industrially to make esters for perfumes and flavors, and in the production of lubricants and plastics.
A saturated fatty acid found naturally in animal fats and oils, notably in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
Capric acid is usually technical, scientific in register.
Capric acid: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkæprɪk ˈæsɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkæprɪk ˈæsɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'capricious goat' (from Latin 'caper') producing milk that contains this ten-carbon (deca-) acid: Capric Acid = Goat-related Acid with 10 carbons.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'capric acid' MOST commonly used?