rancid Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite (used of decomposing oils or fats) having a rank smell or taste usually due to a chemical change or decomposition
    • rancid butter
    • rancid bacon
  2. adjective satellite smelling of fermentation or staleness
    sour.

WordNet

Ran"cid adjective
Etymology
L. rancidus, fr. rancere to be rancid or rank.
Definitions
  1. Having a rank smell or taste, from chemical change or decomposition; musty; as, rancid oil or butter.

Webster 1913