amyl acetate

noun

: a colorless liquid acetate C7H14O2 of amyl alcohol that has a pleasant fruity odor and is used especially as a solvent and in the manufacture of artificial fruit essences

called also banana oil

Examples of amyl acetate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Humans have also been found as able as dogs and rabbits at smelling the main odorant in bananas (amyl acetate), and are more sensitive to mice than at least one component odor of human blood. Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian, 22 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'amyl acetate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amyl acetate was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near amyl acetate

Cite this Entry

“Amyl acetate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amyl%20acetate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

amyl acetate

noun
am·​yl acetate
ˈam-əl-

Medical Definition

amyl acetate

noun
: a colorless liquid acetate C7H14O2 of amyl alcohol that has a pleasant fruity odor and is used as a solvent and in the manufacture of artificial fruit essences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!