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acetaldehyde

|ac-et-al-de-hyde|

C1

/ˌæsɪˈtældaɪhaɪd/

volatile aldehyde

Etymology
Etymology Information

'acetaldehyde' originates from the combination of 'acetic' and 'aldehyde', where 'acetic' refers to 'vinegar' and 'aldehyde' is derived from the Latin 'alcohol dehydrogenatum', meaning 'dehydrogenated alcohol'.

Historical Evolution

'acetaldehyde' was formed by combining the words 'acetic' and 'aldehyde' in the 19th century, reflecting its chemical structure and properties.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it was used to describe a specific chemical compound, and this meaning has remained consistent over time.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a colorless, volatile, water-soluble liquid aldehyde, C2H4O, used chiefly in the manufacture of acetic acid, perfumes, and flavors.

Acetaldehyde is an important intermediate in the production of acetic acid.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/04/18 05:21