ester

noun

es·ter ˈe-stər

: any of a class of often fragrant organic compounds that can be represented by the formula RCOOR′ and that are usually formed by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol with elimination of water

Examples of ester in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Congeners can be esters, which produce a fruity or floral flavor, or complex alcohols, which can taste strong and aromatic. —

Michael W. Crowder, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2023 Pure retinol needs two conversion steps, and retinyl esters need three. —

Margaux Anbouba, ELLE, 31 Aug. 2023 Some brands then convert the ethyl esters back into triglyceride form after adjusting the ratio. —

Willow Jarosh, Ms, Rd, Health, 22 Aug. 2023 Testosterone Enanthate: Similar to testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate is a long-acting ester. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2023 As a two-in-one lash primer and mascara, this product uses jojoba esters to hydrate the lashes for a smooth application. —

Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 16 June 2023 Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinyl Serum $30 at Ulta Beauty Retinyl linoleate, a retinyl ester, mingles with hyaluronic acids in this night treatment that would be a nice option for anyone with especially reactive skin. —

Danielle Blundell, Women's Health, 13 June 2023 Other chapters, so to speak, highlighted the signature vanilla and caramel tasting notes, the way the rick houses feel at different parts of the aging process, and even the fatty acid esters, which gives Maker’s Mark a creamy mouth feel. —

Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 20 Apr. 2023 The topical retinoids most commonly used in skin care are retinoic acid, retinol, retinyl esters, and retinaldehyde. —

Sarah Han, Allure, 22 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ester.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German, from Essigäther ethyl acetate, from Essig vinegar + Äther ether

First Known Use

circa 1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ester was circa 1852

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ester.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ester. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

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Kids Definition

ester

noun

es·ter ˈes-tər

: an organic compound formed by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol

Medical Definition

ester

noun

es·ter ˈes-tər

: any of a class of often fragrant compounds that can be represented by the formula RCOOR′ and that are usually formed by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol usually with elimination of water