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terephthalate

American  
[ter-ef-thal-ayt, -it, tuh-ref-thuh-layt] / 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

"Common plastics include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate or PET. The majority of these microplastics are cleared from our bodies, however studies show they do accumulate in our organs, including our brains."

From Science Daily ● Mar. 13, 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

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

They specifically found that there is an enzyme which targets polyethylene terephthalate after finding bacteria "eating" bottles outside of an Osaka, Japan plant.

From Salon ● Jun. 11, 2022

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