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

The five debut styles for spring are characterized by acetate frames and lightweight metal constructions. — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

New Balance’s Function-forward designs use durable, high-quality materials such as leather and ethylene-vinyl acetate foam. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Choose eco-friendly, water-repellent materials like PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) for a mold-resistant shower curtain. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2026

This process yields short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate, butyrate, and propionate, which serve as an energy source for cells lining the colon, strengthen the intestinal barrier, regulate inflammation, and influence systemic metabolism. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 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