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

It’s infused with shea butter for moisture and cucumber extract for hydration; it’s also filled with skin-protecting antioxidants from vitamin C acetate while shielding from UV rays with SPF 50+. —Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024

The new emerald green shade is to appear on lenses and Japanese acetate in the fall 2024 and spring 2025 eyewear ranges, respectively. —Martino Carrera, WWD, 18 Sep. 2024

The researchers found 16 total plastic fibers and particles made of polypropylene, polyamide, nylon and polyethylene vinyl acetate. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2024

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