Acetate ( noun , verb )

(As a noun)

Acetate ( noun )

1. A salt or ester of acetic acid.
2. A type of plastic film used in photography, printing and in the manufacture of textiles.

Origin:

Late 17th century: from french acétate, from acetum 'vinegar', because of the presence of acetic acid in vinegar, which was used in making acetates.

Examples:

1. The fabric was treated with an acetate solution to make it wrinkle-free.
2. She made the acetate sheets for the overhead projector.
3. The chemist was measuring out the acetate for the experiment.
4. The acetate film had a distinctive greenish hue.
5. Acetates are often used in place of vinyl records for DJing.

(As a verb)

Acetate ( verb )

1. To treat or coat with an acetate.
2. To convert (alcohol) into acetate by reaction with acetic acid.

Origin:

Early 19th century: from acetate + -ate1.

Examples:

1. The fabric was acetated to make it wrinkle-free.
2. The chemist was acetating the alcohol in the experiment.
3. She acetated the solution to get rid of the impurities.
4. The acetate process gives a durable finish to the material.
5. The new process can acetate large quantities of alcohol in a short time.