ester

American  

[es-ter] / ˈɛs tər /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a compound produced by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol with the elimination of a molecule of water, as ethyl acetate, C 4 H 8 O 2 , or dimethyl sulfate, C 2 H 6 SO 4 .

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ester British  

/ ˈɛstə /

noun

1. chem any of a class of compounds produced by reaction between acids and alcohols with the elimination of water. Esters with low molecular weights, such as ethyl acetate, are usually volatile fragrant liquids; fats are solid esters

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ester Scientific  

/ ĕs′tər /

1. An organic compound formed when an acid and an alcohol combine and release water. Esters formed from carboxylic acids are the most common, and have the general formula RCOOR|||PRIMARY_STRESS|||, where R and R|||PRIMARY_STRESS||| are organic radicals. Esters formed from simple hydrocarbon groups are colorless, volatile liquids with pleasant aromas and create the fragrances and flavors of many flowers and fruits. They are also used as food flavorings. Larger esters, formed from long-chain carboxylic acids, commonly occur as animal and vegetable fats, oils, and waxes. Esters have a wide range of uses in industry.

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Etymology

Origin of ester

First recorded in 1850–55; coined by L. Gmelin (1788–1853), German chemist

Example Sentences

They created upcycled styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymer, which incorporates boronic ester groups that covalently bond with a crosslinker and fibers to generate the tough CFRP.

From Science Daily • Feb. 8, 2024

The team's first step was to identify the gene in large black chafers for the receptor that reacts to the female pheromone, which has the seductive name L-isoleucine methyl ester, or LIME.

From Science Daily • Jan. 18, 2024

Indonesia's B35 mandate, the highest in the world, stipulates diesel sold in the country from Feb. 1 has to contain 35% palm-based fatty acid methyl ester.

From Reuters • Jan. 13, 2023

Such a restriction does not apply for ester and thioester linkages.

From Nature • Dec. 11, 2018

Li iris en la domon, sed mi mem restis ester ĝi = He went into the house, but I myself remained outside of it.

From The International Auxiliary Language Esperanto Grammar and Commentary by Cox, George