phthalate

noun

phthal·​ate ˈtha-ˌlāt 

: any of various salts or esters of phthalic acid used especially as plasticizers and in solvents

Examples of phthalate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But others, such as phthalates and PFAS, are not. — Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

Testing found one chemical in all of the chickens except ShopRite’s – phthalates. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Suddenly, words like parabens, phthalates and endocrine disruptors became part of everyday conversation. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026

Lower-quality plastics, like polycarbonate, polystyrene, and PVC, can release phthalates and bisphenols over time. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing phthalate

• dibutyl phthalate

Rhymes for phthalate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Medical Definition

phthalate

noun

phthal·​ate ˈthal-ˌāt 

: a salt or ester of phthalic acid