glycerin etymology

Etymology

The word "glycerin" comes from the Greek word "glykeros," which means "sweet" or "sugary." This name was given to the compound because of its sweet taste.

Meaning

Glycerin is a colorless, viscous, organic compound with the formula C3H8O3. It is a trihydroxy alcohol, meaning that it contains three hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to a central carbon atom.

Origin

Glycerin was first discovered in 1783 by the Swedish chemist Karl Wilhelm Scheele. He isolated it from olive oil by saponification, a process that involves heating the oil with a strong base to produce soap and glycerin.

Glycerin is naturally found in many plants and animals, including:

  • Fats and oils
  • Seeds
  • Fruits
  • Body tissues

It is also produced commercially through the hydrolysis of fats and oils.

glycerin relate terms

  • glycerol

    Etymology The word glycerol is derived from the Greek word glykeros which means swe

  • glycerine

    Etymology The word glycerine is derived from the Greek word glykeros meaning sweet

  • glyceride

    Etymology Derived from glycerin a trihydric alcohol and ide suffix indicating a com

  • glycerin

    Etymology The word glycerin comes from the Greek word glykeros which means sweet o

  • alcohol

    Etymology of Alcohol The word alcohol originates from the Arabic word al kuhl whi

  • scourge

    Etymology and Origin The word scourge comes from the Old French word escorgier mean

  • premium

    Etymology The word premium comes from the Latin word praemium meaning reward or

  • tarot

    Etymology The word tarot is derived from the Italian word tarocchi which in turn ori

  • cherry

    Etymology The word cherry comes from the Middle English word cheri which is derived

  • geometry

    Etymology The word geometry comes from the Ancient Greek word γεωμετρία ge

  • conflict

    Etymology The word conflict derives from the Latin word conflictus which means a st

  • doubt

    Etymology The word doubt derives from the Old French word douter meaning to fear h

  • busy

    Etymology Middle English busye from Anglo Norman French busye ultimately from Old Fr