rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryacetateTransparent plastic sheet
noun

acetate

ASS-ih-tayt/ˈæsɪteɪt/

A salt or ester derived from acetic acid.

The clear frames and flexible sheet are made from cellulose acetate.

Transparent cellulose acetate eyeglass frames beside clear flexible acetate sheet and rolled film strip, tangible acetate plastic examples, no words.
Etymology
acetLatinvinegar
+ateEnglishsalt derived from an acid

The vinegar base and salt-forming suffix originally named a salt made from acetic acid. The material sense arose through shortened expressions such as “acetate silk.”

In context

Davenport Public Library4:25
materials that are on acetate base and they are smelling a little vinegary
Preservation Workshop: Reformatting Materials: From Physical to Microfilm and Microfiche

More examples

  • She traces the drawing onto clear acetate.
  • The dress has a smooth acetate lining.
  • The studio preserves an acetate of the band's early recording.

Forms

acetate · acetates

Similar words

salt
A broader chemical category that includes many non-acetate compounds.
plastic
Names a material category rather than a specific chemical derivative.