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phthalate
[ thal-eyt, fthal- ]
noun
, Chemistry.
- a salt or ester of phthalic acid: phthalates are used mainly, and profusely, as plasticizers and solvents, but growing concern over their environmental impact has led to interest in developing biological alternatives.
phthalate
/ ˈfθæl-; ˈθælɪt /
noun
- a salt or ester of phthalic acid. Esters are commonly used as plasticizers in PVC; when ingested they can cause kidney and liver damage
phthalate
/ thăl′āt′,fthăl′- /
- Any of a group of esters of phthalic acid, widely used in manufacturing plastics and as a synthetic additive in perfumes and cosmetics, that have been linked to reproductive and hormonal abnormalities in humans and other animals.
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Word History and Origins
Origin of phthalate1
First recorded in 1860–65; phthal(ic) ( def ) + -ate 2( def )
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