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Webster 1913 Edition


Adipocere

Ad′i-po-cereˊ

,
Noun.
[L.
adeps
,
adipis
, fat +
cera
wax: cf. F.
adipocere
.]
A soft, unctuous, or waxy substance, of a light brown color, into which the fat and muscle tissue of dead bodies sometimes are converted, by long immersion in water or by burial in moist places. It is a result of fatty degeneration.

Webster 1828 Edition


Adipocere

AD'IPOCERE

,
Noun.
[L. adeps, fat, and cera.]
A soft unctuous or waxy substance, of a light brown color, into which the muscular fibers of dead animal bodies are converted, when protected from atmospheric air, and under certain circumstances of temperature and humidity. This substance was first discovered by Fourcroy, in the burying ground of the Church des Innocens, when it was removed in 1787. It is speedily produced, when the body is immersed in running water.

Definition 2024


adipocere

adipocere

English

Noun

adipocere (uncountable)

  1. A brown, fatty, waxy substance (fatty acids) that forms on dead animal tissues in response to hydrolysis

Synonyms

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