PROPIONIC

Etymology

Adjective

propionic (comparative more propionic, superlative most propionic)

Of or pertaining to propionic acid or its derivatives; propanoic

Source: Wiktionary

Pro`pi*on"ic, a. Etym: [Proto- + Gr. pi`wn fat.] (Chem.)

Definition: Pertaining to, derived from, or designating, an organic acid which is produced in the distillation of wood, in the fermentation of various organic substances, as glycerin, calcium lactate, etc., and is obtained as a colorless liquid having a sharp, pungent odor. Propionic acid is so called because it is the first or lowest member of the fatty acid series whose salts have a fatty feel.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition