furfural

[ fur-fyuh-ral, -fuh- ]
/ ˈfɜr fyəˌræl, -fə- /

noun

a colorless, oily liquid, C5H4O2, having an aromatic odor, obtained from bran, sugar, wood, corncobs, or the like, by distillation: used chiefly in the manufacture of plastics and as a solvent in the refining of lubricating oils.
Also called fur·fur·al·de·hyde [fur-fyuh-ral-duh-hahyd, -fuh-] /ˌfɜr fyəˈræl dəˌhaɪd, -fə-/, pyromucic aldehyde.

Origin of furfural

1875–80; < Latin furfur bran + -al3

Example sentences from the Web for furfural

Scientific definitions for furfural

furfural
[ fûrfə-răl′ ]

A colorless, sweet-smelling, liquid made from corncobs and used as a solvent in petroleum refining and as a fungicide and weed killer. It turns reddish brown when exposed to air and light. Furfural is an aldehyde of furan. Chemical formula: C5H4O2.