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Glycerol

(Science: biochemistry) a metabolic intermediate, but primarily of interest as the central structural component of the major classes of biological lipids, triglycerides and phosphatidyl phospholipids. Also used as a cryoprotectant. A sweet syrupy trihydroxy alcohol obtained by saponification of fats and oils.A type of lipid that contains high amounts of energy in its chemical bonds, and therefore is a useful constituent in metabolism.