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noun

ester

EHS-tuh
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Ester (noun) means a type of chemical compound formed when an acid and an alcohol react together, releasing water; many esters give fruits and flowers their smell. Example: “The fruity smell of the candle comes from an ester used in the fragrance.”

noun
1
A type of chemical compound formed when an acid and an alcohol react together, releasing water; many esters give fruits and flowers their smell.
"The fruity smell of the candle comes from an ester used in the fragrance."

How to use ester

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA chemistry term for a compound made from an acid and an alcohol, often responsible for pleasant fruity smells.

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Word forms

Plural
esters
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The fruity smell of the candle comes from an _____ used in the fragrance.

Etymology

Coined in German as a blend of Essig ("vinegar") and Äther ("ether") — describing a compound partway between the two in character.

Origin: German

Rhymes for ester

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Frequently asked questions

What does “ester” mean?
The word “ester” means a type of chemical compound formed when an acid and an alcohol react together, releasing water; many esters give fruits and flowers their smell. In plain terms, a chemistry term for a compound made from an acid and an alcohol, often responsible for pleasant fruity smells.
How do you pronounce “ester”?
“Ester” is pronounced EHS-tuh (/ˈɛstɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ester” in a sentence?
Here is “ester” used in a sentence: “The fruity smell of the candle comes from an ester used in the fragrance.”
What part of speech is “ester”?
“Ester” is a noun.
Where does the word “ester” come from?
The word “ester” comes from German. Coined in German as a blend of Essig ("vinegar") and Äther ("ether") — describing a compound partway between the two in character.

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