Glycerol

Biology Glycerol is present in the form of esters in lipids, a product of the digestion of lipids by hydrolysis.

Organic chemistry Trialcohol or triol with the formula CH₂OH.CHOH.CH₂OH, liquid of density 1.26; melting point 126°C. Obtained by the saponification of triglycerides, it is used in the explosives (cf. nitroglycerine), and plastics industries.