ester

[ es-ter ]

nounChemistry.
  1. a compound produced by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol with the elimination of a molecule of water, as ethyl acetate, C4H8O2, or dimethyl sulfate, C2H6SO4.

Origin of ester

1
First recorded in 1850–55; coined by L. Gmelin (1788–1853), German chemist

Words Nearby ester

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How to use ester in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ester

ester

/ (ˈɛstə) /


noun
  1. chem any of a class of compounds produced by reaction between acids and alcohols with the elimination of water. Esters with low molecular weights, such as ethyl acetate, are usually volatile fragrant liquids; fats are solid esters

Origin of ester

1
C19: from German, probably a contraction of Essigäther acetic ether, from Essig vinegar (ultimately from Latin acētum) + Äther ether

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for ester

ester

[ ĕstər ]


  1. An organic compound formed when an acid and an alcohol combine and release water. Esters formed from carboxylic acids are the most common, and have the general formula RCOOR, where R and R are organic radicals. Esters formed from simple hydrocarbon groups are colorless, volatile liquids with pleasant aromas and create the fragrances and flavors of many flowers and fruits. They are also used as food flavorings. Larger esters, formed from long-chain carboxylic acids, commonly occur as animal and vegetable fats, oils, and waxes. Esters have a wide range of uses in industry.

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