amyl

1 of 2

noun

am·​yl ˈa-məl How to pronounce amyl (audio)
: any of various isomeric alkyl radicals C5H11− derived from pentane

amyl-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or amylo-
: starch
amyloplast

Examples of amyl in a Sentence

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Noun
Humans have also been found as able as dogs and rabbits at smelling the main odorant in bananas (amyl acetate), and are more sensitive to mice than at least one component odor of human blood. —Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian, 22 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin amylum + English -yl

Combining form

Latin amylum, from Greek amylon, from neuter of amylos unmilled (of grain), from a- + mylē mill — more at meal

First Known Use

Noun

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amyl was in 1847

Phrases Containing amyl

Dictionary Entries Near amyl

amygdule

amyl

amyl-

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Amyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amyl. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

amyl

noun
am·​yl ˈam-əl How to pronounce amyl (audio)
: a univalent hydrocarbon radical C5H11 that occurs in various isomeric forms and is derived from pentane

called also pentyl

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