fusel oil

[ fyoo-zuh l, -suh l ]
/ ˈfyu zəl, -səl /

noun

a mixture consisting chiefly of amyl alcohols obtained as a by-product in the fermentation of grains.

Origin of fusel oil

First recorded in 1855–60, fusel oil is from the German word Fusel bad liquor

Example sentences from the Web for fusel oil

British Dictionary definitions for fusel oil

fusel oil

fusel

/ (ˈfjuːzəl) /

noun

a mixture of amyl alcohols, propanol, and butanol: a by-product in the distillation of fermented liquors used as a source of amyl alcohols

Word Origin for fusel oil

C19: from German Fusel bad spirits

Scientific definitions for fusel oil

fusel oil
[ fyōōzəl ]

An acrid, oily, poisonous liquid occurring in the distillation products of fermented alcoholic liquids. Fusel oil is a mixture of amyl alcohols, fatty acids, and esters. It is used in paints, plastics, and varnishes, and in the manufacture of explosives.