mev·a·lon·ic acid \|mevə|länik-\noun Etymology:methyl + valerolactone + -ic : a branched dihydroxy acid (HO2C5H9COOH that is obtained by extraction of dried distillers' solubles with organic solvents or made synthetically and that is changed by enzymes in acid solution into squalene; 3,5-dihydroxy-3-methyl-valeric acid