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terephthalate

American  
[ter-ef-thal-eyt, -it, tuh-ref-thuh-leyt] / ˌtɛr ɛfˈθæl eɪt, -ɪt, təˈrɛf θəˌleɪt /

noun

Chemistry.
  1. a salt or ester of terephthalic acid.


Etymology

Origin of terephthalate

First recorded in 1865–70; terephthal(ic acid) + -ate 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

It finds the law will increase the cost of disposal between six and 14 times for common products, such as Windex bottles, made of polyethylene terephthalate.

From Los Angeles Times May 7, 2026

A series of chemical processes then transform those fossil fuels into Polyethylene terephthalate -- or PET -- which the bottle is made from.

From Barron's Jan. 26, 2026

One common one was polyethylene terephthalate or PET.

From Science Daily Jan. 8, 2024

In April, researchers from the University of Texas found an enzyme which could digest polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic resin found in clothes, liquid and food containers.

From Washington Post Jun. 17, 2022

Half of them had polyethylene terephthalate, ubiquitous in plastic drinking bottles, and one-third had polymers of styrene which is frequently used in food packaging.

From Salon Mar. 26, 2022

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