acetic acid

noun

ace·​tic acid ə-ˈsē-tik- How to pronounce acetic acid (audio)
: a colorless pungent liquid acid C2H4O2 that is the chief acid of vinegar and that is used especially in synthesis (as of plastics)

Examples of acetic acid 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.
The carb is pressed into liquid-form and fermented by yeast into alcohol, which is then fermented into acetic acid. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 16 Oct. 2024 Vinegars with higher acetic acid levels are more powerful cleaning agents than vinegars with less acetic acid. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024 Common SCFAs include acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Oct. 2024 What makes vinegar special One defining ingredient could explain vinegar’s health benefits: acetic acid. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acetic acid 

Word History

Etymology

acetic borrowed from French acétique, from Latin acētum "sour wine, vinegar" (noun derivative from *acētus, verbal adjective of acēre "to be sour," going back to Indo-European h2eḱ-eh1- "to be sharp") + French -ique -ic entry 1 — more at edge entry 1

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acetic acid was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near acetic acid

Cite this Entry

“Acetic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acetic%20acid. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

acetic acid

noun
: a colorless strong-smelling liquid acid that gives the sour taste to vinegar and that is used especially in making chemical compounds (as plastics)

Medical Definition

acetic acid

noun
: a colorless pungent liquid acid C2H4O2 that is the chief acid of vinegar and that is used especially in synthesis (as of plastics) and occasionally in medicine as an astringent and styptic

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