esterify

American  

[e-ster-uh-fahy] / ɛˈstɛr əˌfaɪ /

verb (used with or without object)

Chemistry.

esterified, esterifying

1. to convert into an ester.

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esterify British  

/ ɛˈstɛrəˌfaɪ /

verb

1. chem to change or cause to change into an ester

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Other Word Forms

• esterifiable adjective
• esterification noun

Etymology

Origin of esterify

First recorded in 1900–05; ester + -ify

Example Sentences

However, cholesterol, whether synthesized by our own bodies or derived from the diet, can be esterified with saturated fats to increase circulating blood cholesterol.

From New York Times

It was found that the normal primary alcohols were all esterified at about the same rate, the secondary alcohols more slowly than the primary, and the tertiary alcohols still more slowly.

From Project Gutenberg

It is well known that di-ortho-substituted benzoic acids are esterified with difficulty.

From Project Gutenberg

The residual OH groups of the cellulose are esterified and substitution by an NO2 group takes place in the aromatic residue, giving a mixed nitric nitrobenzoic ester.

From Project Gutenberg

The alcohols are estimated by conversion into their acetic esters, which are then saponified with standard alcoholic potash, thereby furnishing a measure of the amount of alcohol esterified.

From Project Gutenberg