adj

rancid

RAN-sihd

Rancid (adj) means having a stale, unpleasant smell or taste, typically from fat or oil that has gone off. Example: “The butter had gone rancid after sitting out too long.”

adj

Having a stale, unpleasant smell or taste, typically from fat or oil that has gone off.

"The butter had gone rancid after sitting out too long."

"A rancid smell drifted from the old fridge."

How to use rancid

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes food, especially fats and oils, that has spoiled and smells or tastes off.

Common pairings

rancid butter rancid oil go rancid

Word forms

more rancid comparative, most rancid superlative

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The butter had gone _____ after sitting out too long.

Etymology

From Latin rancidus, "stinking" or "rank."

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does “rancid” mean?

The word “rancid” means having a stale, unpleasant smell or taste, typically from fat or oil that has gone off. In plain terms, describes food, especially fats and oils, that has spoiled and smells or tastes off.

How do you pronounce “rancid”?

“Rancid” is pronounced RAN-sihd (/ˈɹænsɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “rancid” in a sentence?

Here is “rancid” used in a sentence: “The butter had gone rancid after sitting out too long.”

What part of speech is “rancid”?

“Rancid” is an adjective.

Where does the word “rancid” come from?

The word “rancid” comes from Latin. From Latin rancidus, "stinking" or "rank.".