chlo·ro·ace·tic acid \| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷+...-\noun alsochlor·ace·tic acid\|klōr, -ȯr+...-\ Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary chlor- + acetic : a crystalline acid ClCH2COOH obtained by direct chlorination of acetic acid and used in organic synthesis — called also monochloroacetic acid; compare dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid