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Webster 1913 Edition

Rancid

Ran′cid

(răn′sĭd)
,
Adj.
[L.
rancidus
, fr.
rancere
to be rancid or rank.]
Having a rank smell or taste, from chemical change or decomposition; musty;
as,
rancid
oil or butter
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Rancid

RAN'CID

,
Adj.
[L. rancidus, from ranceo, to be rank. This is the Eng. rank, luxuriant in growth.]
Having a rank smell; strong scented; sour; musty; as rancid oil.

Definition 2024

rancid

rancid

English

Adjective

rancid ‎(comparative more rancid, superlative most rancid)

  1. Being rank in taste or smell.
    The house was deserted, with a rancid half-eaten meal still on the dinner table.
  2. offensive
    His remarks were rancid; everyone got up and left.

Usage notes

  • Nouns to which "rancid" often gets applied: food, butter, meat, milk, fat, oil, smell, odor, taste.

Translations

Related terms

Etymology

From Latin rancidus ‎(“stinking, rank, rancid, offensive”), from ranceō ‎(“to stink”) (sense in Middle Latin), from whence also English rancor, in Latin used only in present participle rancens ‎(“stinking”).

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