acetylate

[ uh-set-l-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, a·cet·y·lat·ed, a·cet·y·lat·ing.

1. to introduce one or more acetyl groups into (a compound).

verb (used without object)

, a·cet·y·lat·ed, a·cet·y·lat·ing.

1. to become acetylated.

acetylate

/ əˈsɛtɪˌleɪt /

verb

1. tr to introduce an acetyl group into (a chemical compound)
2. intr (of a chemical compound) to gain or suffer substitution of an acetyl group

Derived Forms

• aˌcetyˈlation, noun

Other Words From

• a·cety·lation noun
• a·cety·lative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acetylate¹

First recorded in 1905–10; acetyl + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Very little is known about THC-O’s effects but its production process is similar to how morphine is “acetylated” into heroin.

From FiveThirtyEight