| a colorless, pungent, water-miscible liquid, C2H4O2, the essential constituent of vinegar, produced by oxidation of acetaldehyde, bacterial action on ethyl alcohol, the reaction of methyl alcohol with carbon monoxide, and other processes: used chiefly in the manufacture of acetate fibers and in the production of numerous esters that are solvents and flavoring agents. |
| acetic acid n. A clear, colorless organic acid, CH3COOH, with a distinctive pungent odor, used as a solvent and in the manufacture of rubber, plastics, acetate fibers, pharmaceuticals, and photographic chemicals. It is the chief acid of vinegar. |
acetic acid a·ce·tic acid (ə-sē'tĭk)
n.
A clear, colorless organic acid with a distinctive pungent odor, the chief acid of vinegar, also used as a solvent. Also called ethanoic acid.
