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
Word origin
C19: from German, probably a contraction of Essigäther acetic ether, from Essig vinegar (ultimately from Latin acētum) + Ätherether
ester in American English
(ˈɛstər)
noun
an organic compound, comparable to an inorganic salt: generally, HR (inorganic acid) +R1OH (alcohol) = RR1 (ester) + H2O (water) or RCOOH (organic acid) + R1OH = RCOOR1 (ester) + H2O
Word origin
Ger, contr. < essigäther < essig, vinegar (< L acetum: see aceto-) + äther (< L aether), ether