polyvinyl acetate

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, odorless, nontoxic, transparent, thermoplastic, water-insoluble resin used as an adhesive in certain paints and as an intermediate in the synthesis of polyvinyl acetal and polyvinyl alcohol.

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polyvinyl acetate British  

noun

1.  PVA.  a colourless odourless tasteless resin used in emulsion paints, adhesives, sealers, a substitute for chicle in chewing gum, and for sealing porous surfaces

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Etymology

Origin of polyvinyl acetate

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

In 1961, Matsutani had his Damascene moment when he discovered polyvinyl acetate adhesive, otherwise known as Elmer’s glue.

From New York Times • Feb. 22, 2022

Then the drawer front could be reglued, using ordinary yellow wood glue, also known as PVA or polyvinyl acetate glue, and plenty of clamps.

From Washington Post • Jul. 19, 2019

After the war, the original tzicle gave way to a polyvinyl acetate – a synthetic plastic that takes up to five years to decompose, and dries into a hard residue that is difficult to remove.

From The Guardian • Aug. 14, 2017

The sculptures in “Flesh of My Flesh” are made with polyvinyl acetate and pigments that change color over time — relatively quickly, during the exhibition.

From New York Times • Apr. 16, 2015

White all-use glues like Elmer’s are made of rubbery mixtures called polyvinyl acetate emulsions, and while the Elmer’s mascot is a smiling bull, the company says that it doesn’t use any animal parts.

From Slate • Feb. 15, 2012