acetal

American  

[as-i-tal] / ˈæs ɪˌtæl /

noun

Chemistry.

1. Also called diethylacetal.  a colorless, volatile, sparingly water-soluble liquid, C 6 H 14 O 2 , having a nutlike aftertaste, obtained from acetaldehyde and ethyl alcohol: used chiefly as a solvent and in the manufacture of perfumes.

2. any of a class of compounds of aldehydes with alcohols.

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acetal British  

/ ˈæsɪˌtæl /

noun

1. 1,1-diethoxyethane; a colourless volatile liquid used as a solvent and in perfumes. Formula: CH 3 CH(OC 2 H 5 ) 2

2. any organic compound containing the group -CH(OR 1 )OR 2 , where R 1 and R 2 are other organic groups

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Etymology

Origin of acetal

First recorded in 1850–55; acet- + -al ³

Compare meaning

How does acetal compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• hemiacetal vs. acetal

Example Sentences

Delrin acetal homopolymer from DuPont is used for high-load mechanical applications such as gears, safety restraints, door systems, conveyor belts, healthcare delivery devices, and other demanding products and parts.

From Reuters • Aug. 21, 2023

Delrin, an acetal homopolymer with higher tensile strength, is a preferred substitute for metal parts and used in products ranging from gear wheels to insulin pens.

From Reuters • Aug. 21, 2023

In 2013 the winning car had a coating of vaporized metal while Colossus used front and rear aerofoils of laser sintered nylon and acetal resin wheels accurate to one micron.

From Reuters • Jan. 27, 2015

Both are acetal polymers and derive from formaldehyde.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the new it is polyvinyl acetal resin, a synthetic plastic made from acetylene.

From Time Magazine Archive