Glycerine

(glis'er-in.) [From Gr. glykeros, somewhat sweet.) (Chem.) A syrupy colorle liquid, of a very sweet taste, and neutral to test-paper. It mixes with water and alcohol in all proportions. It is contained in most fixed oils and fats, in which it exists in combination with fatty acids, and is liberated upon saponification. It is non-volatile at the ordinary temperature, but when heated in an atmosphere of steam it distils over. G.does not freeze or alter by exposure to the atmosphere; it has no poisonous or injurious properties, and on these accounts its uses in arts, manufactures, and for domestic purposes, are very great. When acted on by strong nitric acid, it is converted into nitro-glycerine. Sp. gr. 1-26. Form. CHOZHO. [s. 412]