acrylic

1 of 2

adjective

acryl·​ic ə-ˈkri-lik 

1

: of or relating to acrylic acid or its derivatives

acrylic polymers

2

: made or consisting of an acrylic

an acrylic window

acrylic

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: acrylic resin

b

: a paint in which the vehicle is an acrylic resin

c

: a painting done in an acrylic resin

2

: acrylic fiber

Examples of acrylic in a Sentence

Noun

a painting done in acrylics

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Caulk Type: The best caulk guns work with a variety of caulk types, including acrylic latex, silicone, or hybrid caulks that combine acrylic latex with silicone. —Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Mar. 2024

Once dry, mix clear resin (Clear Cast Resin, $25, Michaels) in individual small cups with a few drops of acrylic paint in purple, gold, blue, and white, stirring for even color. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from French (acide) acrylique, partial translation (with addition of the suffix -ique -ic entry 1) of German Acrylsäure, with acryl- from Acrolein acrolein + -yl -yl

First Known Use

Adjective

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing acrylic

• acrylic acid
• acrylic fiber
• acrylic resin

Kids Definition

acrylic

noun

acryl·​ic

ə-ˈkril-ik

1

: acrylic fiber

2

: a paint containing an acrylic resin

Medical Definition

acrylic

1 of 2 adjective

acryl·​ic ə-ˈkril-ik 

: of or relating to acrylic acid or its derivatives

acrylic polymers

acrylic

2 of 2 noun

: acrylic resin