1. A clear, colorless, syrupy liquid; administered rectally as a laxative, orally as a diuretic to reduce intraocular pressure, and orally as a demulcent in cough preparations and in other pharmaceutical preparations.
2. A thick, sweet, odorless, colorless, or pale yellow liquid.

Source: fats and oils as a byproduct of soap manufacture.

Use as a solvent, antifreeze, plasticizer, manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, lubricants, and dynamite.