phthalate

noun

phthal·​ate ˈtha-ˌlāt How to pronounce phthalate (audio)
: any of various salts or esters of phthalic acid used especially as plasticizers and in solvents

Examples of phthalate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Several phthalates aren’t allowed to be used in children’s toys as well as a range of other products in the US, United Kingdom and Hong Kong. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025 Health advocates have argued that phthalates in plastic wrap, plastic packaging and plastic bottles can end up in food and beverages. Jonel Aleccia, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025 Foam mats should feature nontoxic foam that doesn’t contain BPA, PVC, phthalates, latex or lead. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2025 This deodorant is free of aluminum, artificial fragrance, filler ingredients, propylene glycol, phthalates, and parabens. Laura Harold, Outside, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for phthalate

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phthalate was in 1863

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Cite this Entry

“Phthalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phthalate. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

phthalate

noun
phthal·​ate ˈthal-ˌāt How to pronounce phthalate (audio)
: a salt or ester of phthalic acid
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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