terephthalate

noun

tere·​phthal·​ate ˌter-ə(f)-ˈtha-ˌlāt How to pronounce terephthalate (audio)
: a salt or ester of terephthalic acid
especially : a dimethyl-ester that is a major starting material for polyester fibers and coatings

Examples of terephthalate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One item that made the list is polyethylene terephthalate, more commonly known as PET resin, the thermoplastic used to make plastic bottles. Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 22 Apr. 2025 Symbol 1 – Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, widely used in soda bottles. Alex Jordan, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025 The research team is currently working to see if these marine fungi can break down other forms of plastics, such as polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025 For him, distinguishing between polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene terephthalate is child’s play. Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terephthalate

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of terephthalate was in 1868

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Cite this Entry

“Terephthalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terephthalate. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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