Word Study
lactone
CIDE DICTIONARY
lactone, n.
One of a series of organic compounds, being cyclic esters which may be regarded as anhydrides of certain hydroxy acids. In general, they are colorless liquids, having a weak aromatic odor. They are so called because the typical lactone is derived from lactic acid. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
lactone, n. Chem. any of a class of cyclic esters formed by the elimination of water from a hydroxy-carboxylic acid.
Etymology
G Lacton
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