acetate

noun

ac·​e·​tate ˈa-sə-ˌtāt 

1

: a salt or ester of acetic acid

2

: cellulose acetate

also : something (such as a textile fiber) made from cellulose acetate

3

: a phonograph recording disk made of an acetate or coated with cellulose acetate

Examples of acetate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Polyethylene vinyl acetate is used as a flexible plastic for manufacturing goods like adhesives, paints or plastic wrap. —Ty Roush, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024

Plus, it’s infused with pro-vitamin B5, which strengthens and softens the hair, and vitamin E acetate to add shine. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 29 June 2024

They are finished with Japanese acetate using a unique tumbling, mixing and aging process that takes three months to complete. —Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 18 June 2024

To protect the materials from moisture and damage, manufacturers laminate the entire array in adhesive polymers—usually ethylene-vinyl acetate. —IEEE Spectrum, 17 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French acétate, from (acide) acétique acetic acid + -ate, -ate entry 1

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing acetate

• amyl acetate
• cellulose acetate
• ethyl acetate
• lead acetate
• medroxyprogesterone acetate
• methyl acetate
• polyvinyl acetate

Kids Definition

acetate

noun

ac·​e·​tate ˈas-ə-ˌtāt 

1

: a chemical compound formed by the reaction of acetic acid with another substance

2

: something made from acetate or from cellulose and acetate combined

Medical Definition

acetate

noun

ac·​e·​tate ˈas-ə-ˌtāt 

: a salt or ester of acetic acid