acetic

American  

[uh-see-tik, uh-set-ik] / əˈsi tɪk, əˈsɛt ɪk /

adjective

1. pertaining to, derived from, or producing vinegar or acetic acid.

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acetic British  

/ əˈsɛt-, əˈsiːtɪk /

adjective

1. of, containing, producing, or derived from acetic acid or vinegar

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acetic Scientific  

/ ə-sē′tĭk /

1. Relating to or containing acetic acid or vinegar.

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Other Word Forms

• semiacetic adjective
• unacetic adjective

Etymology

Origin of acetic

First recorded in 1800–10; acet- + -ic

Example Sentences

Sixty jobs will go at the Ineos Acetyls site near Hull, which makes products including acetic acid used in manufacturing.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2025

They started with an established method to synthesize a biocompatible chromium-containing MOF and added a step with an acetic acid rinse.

From Science Daily • Jan. 26, 2024

As is the case with some lacto-fermented preparations, pickles are preserved with acid — in this case, acetic acid from vinegar.

From Salon • Dec. 6, 2023

For rapid growth the bacteria require the sugar maltose, from which they produce lactic acid and acetic acid, which account for the sour taste.

From Scientific American • Nov. 1, 2023

Instead of using something that might harm us, I mix a concoction of a surfactant, NaCl, and a chemical derivative of acetic acid—aka Dawn dish soap, salt, and vinegar.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera