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

For premenopausal women experiencing moderate to severe endometriosis pain or heavy menstrual bleeding due to uterine fibroids, one option a provider may discuss is MYFEMBREE® (relugolix, estradiol, and norethindrone acetate). — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 14 July 2026

Ipamorelin acetate sits in a middle zone of its own. — Allison Palmer updated June 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026

According to Parr, products containing strong chemicals can react with acetate frames. — Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 20 June 2026

For a beach-friendly pair of Birkenstocks, try its Eva line that’s made of ethylene vinyl acetate, which feels like flexible rubber. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 13 June 2026

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

Rhymes for acetate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate
• annotate

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