cellulose acetate

American  

noun

1. any of a group of acetic esters of cellulose, used to make yarns, textiles, nonflammable photographic films, rubber and celluloid substitutes, etc.

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cellulose acetate British  

noun

1. nonflammable material made by acetylating cellulose: used in the manufacture of film, dopes, lacquers, and artificial fibres

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cellulose acetate Scientific  

1. Any of several compounds obtained by treating cellulose with acetic anhydride. Cellulose acetate is used in lacquers, photographic film, transparent sheeting, and cigarette filters.

2. Also called acetate cellulose

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Etymology

Origin of cellulose acetate

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cellulose acetate

Lennick notes that cellulose acetate does have environmental benefits over conventional plastic, such as being biodegradable under certain conditions.

From BBC ● Apr. 22, 2026

It is an excellent solvent for many organic and some inorganic compounds, and it is essential in the production of cellulose acetate, a component of many synthetic fibers such as rayon.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

Scientists have found samples of cellulose acetate, used in making cigarette filters, and particles of plastics used in bottle caps and packaging material.

From New York Times ● Dec. 11, 2018

And although a single celluloid comb cost one dollar in 1930, by the end of the decade one could buy a machine-molded comb of cellulose acetate for anywhere from a dime to fifty cents.

From Scientific American ● May 29, 2011

It is found that cellulose acetate forms with nitro-glycerine a gelatinous body without requiring the addition of a solvent.

From Nitro-Explosives: A Practical Treatise by Sanford, P. Gerald (Percy Gerald)