Definition

A clear, colorless liquid that has a strong, unpleasant smell and can be harmful. It is used mainly in chemical reactions to make other substances.

Example

Acrolein is used in the production of various chemicals and as a herbicide.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a chemical called acrolein?

Yeah, I think it's used in some industrial processes, right?

Exactly! It's known for having a really strong odor too.

That sounds pretty intense; I can imagine it being quite irritating.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Acrolein is derived from the Greek "akros" (meaning sharp or bitter) and "olein" (from "olea", meaning oil). The term refers to a sharp, pungent compound that is an unsaturated aldehyde derived from glycerol, often associated with a strong odor, similar to that of burnt fat or oil.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sharp' ('akros') to remember that acrolein has a sharp, pungent smell, much like burnt oil.

Visually Confused Words