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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

A number 1, for instance, corresponds to polyethylene terephthalate, or PET — the stuff that makes up water bottles.

From Salon Oct. 14, 2022

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

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