| acetic acid | <chemical> The acid most commonly associated with vinegar, it is the most commercially important organic acid and is used to manufacture a wide range of chemical products, such as plastics and Acetobacter but, except for making vinegar, is usually made through synthetic processes. Derivatives of acetic acid which may be formed by substitution reactions. Mono- and di-substituted, as well as, halogenated compounds have been synthesised. Experimentally, alpha- and n2- substituted acetic acids have been examined for their anti-inflammatory activity and effect on the central nervous system respectively. Additionally, limited exposure data has been collected on dibromo and dichloroacetic acids to determine whether they pose health effects. Synonym: ethanoic acid. (26 Jun 1999) |
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| acetic aldehyde | <chemical> A colourless, flammable liquid used in the manufacture of acetic acid, perfumes, and flavors. It is also an intermediate in the metabolism of alcohol. It has a general narcotic action and also causes irritation of mucous membranes. Large doses may cause death from respiratory paralysis. Chemical name: Acetaldehyde (12 Dec 1998) |
| acetic amide | <chemistry> A white crystalline solid, from ammonia by replacement of an equivalent of hydrogen by acetyl. It is used as a solvent and acts as a mild irritant. (25 Jun 1999) |
| acetic anhydride | <chemistry> Anhydrides of acetic acid. Used extensively as acetylation, oxidation and dehydrating agents and in the modification of proteins and enzymes. (12 Dec 1998) |
| acetic fermentation | <biochemistry> A type of fermentation conducted by certain microbes in which organic materials are broken down into acetic acid to generate ATP for energy. (09 Oct 1997) |
| acetic phosphoric anhydride | CH3CO-OPO32-;a "high energy" phosphate that acts as an acetate donor in the metabolism of various bacteria. Synonym: acetic phosphoric anhydride. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acetic solution | A vinegar. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aceticoceptor | A side chain of molecules with a special affinity for the acetic acid radical. Origin: L. Acetum, vinegar, + capio, to take (05 Mar 2000) |
| acetify | To convert into acid or vinegar. Origin: L. Acetum = vinegar. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| acetimeter | <equipment> An instrument for estimating the amount of acetic acid in vinegar or in any liquid containing acetic acid. Origin: L. Acetum = vinegar, F. Acetimetre. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| acetimetry | <technique> The act or method of ascertaining the strength of vinegar, or the proportion of acetic acid contained in it. Origin: L. Acetum = vinegar. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| acetin | <chemical> A thick, colourless, water-attracting liquid which is used as a food additive and dye solvent and in explosives manufacture and leather tanning. It is created by heating and then distilling a mixture of acetic acid and glycerol. (09 Oct 1997) |
| aceto- | Combining forms denoting the two-carbon fragment of acetic acid. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aceto-orcein stain | <technique> A stain used for chromosomes in air-dried or squashed cytologic material. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acetoacetate | A salt or ion of acetoacetic acid. A ketone body formed in ketogenesis. Synonym: diacetate. Acetoacetate decarboxylase, a carboxy-lyase cleaving CO2 from acetoacetate to form acetone. (05 Mar 2000) |