acetal

[as-i-tal]

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.

acetal

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of acetal¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of acetal¹

C19: from German Azetal, from _aceto- + _alcohol

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on Reuters

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.

Read more on Reuters