a. Chem. [f. Gr. ἄγχ-ειν to throttle, suffocate (+ o) + -IC.] In Anchoic acid: a dibasic acid, C9H16O4, emitting suffocating fumes, obtained by the action of nitric acid on Chinese wax, or the fatty acids of cocoa-nut oil.
1863. Watts, Dict. Chem., I. 290. Anchoic acid … at a stronger heat sublimes … emitting white inodorous vapours, which produce a suffocating effect, when inhaled.
