Word Study
acetyl
CIDE DICTIONARY
acetyl, n. [L. acetum vinegar + Gr. substance. See -yl.].
A complex, hypothetical radical, composed of two parts of carbon to three of hydrogen and one of oxygen. Its hydroxide is acetic acid. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
acetyl, n. Chem. the univalent radical of acetic acid.
Idiom
acetyl silk = acetate silk.
Usage
Chem. formula: CH3CO-.
Etymology
ACETIC + -YL
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