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

Each frame is made with hand polished Mazzucchelli acetate from Italy and Carl Zeiss lenses. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 23 July 2025

All Bogg bags are peppered with holes on the front and back panels and made out of a rubber-looking plastic material (ethylene-vinyl acetate) and, essentially, look like a Croc shoe mated with a Birkin bag. —Lindsey Choo, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025

It’s made from ethylene vinyl acetate (sometimes called EVA), which is a plush foam material that molds to the shape of your foot over time, providing support, comfort, and shock absorption in the process. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 5 July 2025

For the modern man who values quiet confidence, each frame is a study in balance, complete with organic curves and architectural precision, crafted in hand-finished acetate. —Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

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
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

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