: the radical CH3CO− of acetic acid
—often used in combination
Examples of acetyl in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This firming and contouring eye cream is packed with wrinkle-smoothing peptides—acetyl hexapeptide-8 and acetyl tetrapeptide-5—to visibly reduce puffiness and soften the appearance of crow’s feet.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 July 2025
Key Ingredients: Copper peptides, acetyl octapeptide, pseudoalteromonas ferment extract
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 6 May 2025
Some of those acetyl groups are turned back into acetyl-CoA and consumed for energy, while others are recycled to activate a different set of genes.
—Viviane Callier, Quanta Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office said the victim died of a fentanyl intoxication and acetyl fentanyl toxicity.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 12 Mar. 2025
Key ingredients: Icelandic glacial water, hyaluronic acid, peptides, acetyl hexapeptide-8, coenzyme Q10 | Fragrance-free: yes | Quantity: 5 sets
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wrinkle patch?
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Mar. 2025
Magnesium acetyl taurate: This type is rapidly absorbed by the body and may have cognitive health benefits, including preventing brain tissue damage and reducing anxiety.1112 Capsule supplements may make the most sense if used for preventive purposes.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025
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Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 July 2025
Key Ingredients: Copper peptides, acetyl octapeptide, pseudoalteromonas ferment extract
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 6 May 2025
Some of those acetyl groups are turned back into acetyl-CoA and consumed for energy, while others are recycled to activate a different set of genes.
—Viviane Callier, Quanta Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office said the victim died of a fentanyl intoxication and acetyl fentanyl toxicity.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 12 Mar. 2025
Key ingredients: Icelandic glacial water, hyaluronic acid, peptides, acetyl hexapeptide-8, coenzyme Q10 | Fragrance-free: yes | Quantity: 5 sets
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wrinkle patch?
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Mar. 2025
Magnesium acetyl taurate: This type is rapidly absorbed by the body and may have cognitive health benefits, including preventing brain tissue damage and reducing anxiety.1112 Capsule supplements may make the most sense if used for preventive purposes.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Acetyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acetyl. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
acetyl
noun
ace·tyl
ə-ˈsēt-ᵊl 
ˈas-ət-; ˈas-ə-ˌtēl
ˈas-ət-; ˈas-ə-ˌtēl
: the radical CH3CO of acetic acid
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