terephthalic acid

[ ter-ef-thal-ik, ter- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble solid, C 8 H 6 O 2 , the para isomer of phthalic acid: used chiefly in the manufacture of resins and textile fibers.

terephthalic acid

/ ˌtɛrɛfˈθælɪk /

noun

1. a white crystalline water-insoluble carboxylic acid used in making polyester resins such as Terylene; 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid. Formula: C 6 H 4 (COOH) 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of terephthalic acid¹

First recorded in 1855–60; tere(bic) + phthalic

Word History and Origins

Origin of terephthalic acid¹

C20: from terebene + phthalic acid

Example Sentences

Using the terephthalic acid monomers produced in that process, the researchers made new plastic bottles that were just as strong as the originals.

From Science News