hemiacetal

noun

hemi·​ac·​e·​tal ˌhe-mē-ˈa-sə-ˌtal 

: any of a class of compounds characterized by the grouping C(OH)(OR) where R is an alkyl group and usually formed as intermediates in the preparation of acetals from aldehydes or ketones

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hemiacetal

noun

hemi·​ac·​e·​tal ˌhem-ē-ˈas-ə-ˌtal 

: any of a class of compounds characterized by the group C(OH)(OR) where R is an alkyl group and usually formed as intermediates in the preparation of acetals from aldehydes or ketones