acetyl

noun

ace·​tyl ə-ˈsē-tᵊl  ˈa-sə- 

ˈa-sə-ˌtēl

: the radical CH₃CO− of acetic acid

—often used in combination

Examples of acetyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This gives skin ample antioxidant protection and brightening, working alongside phyto exosomes, acetyl zingerone, and a multi-weight hyaluronic acid that bolster the vitamin C benefits and reinforce the skin barrier. —Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 20 Nov. 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, 13 Nov. 2025

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

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

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Acetyl, from Latin acētum "vinegar" + German -yl -yl — more at acetic acid

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing acetyl

• acetyl-CoA
• acetyl coenzyme A

Rhymes for acetyl

• bimetal
• decretal
• varietal
• beetle
• fetal
• foetal
• centripetal

Medical Definition

acetyl

noun

ace·​tyl ə-ˈsēt-ᵊl  ˈas-ət-; ˈas-ə-ˌtēl 

: the radical CH₃CO of acetic acid