First Known Use: 1803
Dictionary
adipocere
noun ad·i·po·cere \ˈa-də-pə-ˌsir\
Definition of ADIPOCERE
: a waxy substance consisting chiefly of fatty acids and calcium soaps that is formed during decomposition of dead body fat in moist or wet anaerobic conditions
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Origin of ADIPOCERE
modification of French adipocire, from adip- + cire wax, from Latin cera — more at cerumen
Medical Dictionary
adipocere
noun ad·i·po·cere \ˈad-ə-pə-ˌsi(ə)r\
Medical Definition of ADIPOCERE
: a waxy or unctuous brownish substance consisting chiefly of fatty acids and calcium soaps produced by chemical changes affecting dead body fat and muscle long buried or immersed in moisture
—ad·i·poc·er·ous \ˌad-ə-ˈpäs-(ə-)rəs, -pə-ˈsir-əs\ adjective
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