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.

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Etymology

Origin of terephthalate

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

Example Sentences

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

To better understand how light affects plastic breakdown, the researchers exposed polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, and polybutylene adipate co terephthalate microplastics to water under both dark and ultraviolet conditions for up to 96 hours.

From Science Daily • Dec. 31, 2025

To their surprise, most of the particles were not polyethylene terephthalate, or PET — the material most water bottles are made of.

From Salon • Jan. 11, 2024

PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a type of clear plastic that is commonly used for single-use water bottles.

From Los Angeles Times • 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