acetic acid
noun
ace·tic acid ə-ˈsē-tik- 
: a colorless pungent liquid acid C2H4O2 that is the chief acid of vinegar and that is used especially in synthesis (as of plastics)
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Our choice for the overall best natural weed killer, Doctor Kirchner's Natural Weed Killer is made from a mix of ocean saltwater, acetic acid (vinegar), and soap. 
Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2022 The acetic acid content in apple cider vinegar is said to promote gut health, curb hunger, and more. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2022 As the name implies, a defining characteristic of this genus is the ability to oxidize organic carbon sources like sucrose, glucose, and ethanol into acetic acid, which is known for its antimicrobial properties. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2022 The company said acetic acid is produced to meet requirements for shipping in the food industry and is used in textiles, plastic bottles, industrial solvents and other chemicals. Chron, 28 July 2021 For example, one chemicals company had long-term contracts for acetic acid, but a reverse auction of three providers and three distributors resulted in a 11.5% reduction in price. Forbes, 9 Nov. 2021 But glacial acetic acid is a flammable liquid that can cause severe skin burns and eye damage, according to the National Library of Medicine. Diane Herbst, PEOPLE.com, 28 July 2021 Simply put, vinegar comes from anything that has alcohol in it; bacteria turn the alcohol into acetic acid. Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2021 The Moderna vaccine’s ingredients also include lipids (including PEG), tromethamine, tromethamine hydrochloride, acetic acid, sodium acetate and sucrose. Julie Washington, cleveland, 13 Aug. 2021 See More
Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2022 The acetic acid content in apple cider vinegar is said to promote gut health, curb hunger, and more. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2022 As the name implies, a defining characteristic of this genus is the ability to oxidize organic carbon sources like sucrose, glucose, and ethanol into acetic acid, which is known for its antimicrobial properties. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2022 The company said acetic acid is produced to meet requirements for shipping in the food industry and is used in textiles, plastic bottles, industrial solvents and other chemicals. Chron, 28 July 2021 For example, one chemicals company had long-term contracts for acetic acid, but a reverse auction of three providers and three distributors resulted in a 11.5% reduction in price. Forbes, 9 Nov. 2021 But glacial acetic acid is a flammable liquid that can cause severe skin burns and eye damage, according to the National Library of Medicine. Diane Herbst, PEOPLE.com, 28 July 2021 Simply put, vinegar comes from anything that has alcohol in it; bacteria turn the alcohol into acetic acid. Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2021 The Moderna vaccine’s ingredients also include lipids (including PEG), tromethamine, tromethamine hydrochloride, acetic acid, sodium acetate and sucrose. Julie Washington, cleveland, 13 Aug. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
acetic borrowed from French acétique, from Latin acētum "sour wine, vinegar" (noun derivative from *acētus, verbal adjective of acēre "to be sour," going back to Indo-European h2eḱ-eh1- "to be sharp") + French -ique -ic entry 1 — more at edge entry 1
First Known Use
1788, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
acetic acid
noun
: a colorless pungent liquid acid C2H4O2 that is the chief acid of vinegar and that is used especially in synthesis (as of plastics) and occasionally in medicine as an astringent and styptic