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Ester Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ester

[หˆษ›stษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

chemistry compound

An ester is a type of organic compound formed from the reaction between an alcohol and an acid, typically producing a sweet or fruity smell. Esters are commonly used in the production of fragrances, flavorings, and solvents. They are recognized by their characteristic functional group, which includes a carbonyl and an ether linkage.

Synonyms

ethyl ester, organic compound, scented compound.

Examples of usage

  • The ester formed from acetic acid and ethanol has a pleasant smell.
  • Many natural fruity scents are due to the presence of different esters.
  • Esters are used in the food industry as flavoring agents.
  • Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a polyester made from esters.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Esters are formed through a reaction called condensation, where water is removed when acids and alcohols bond.
  • Many esters are responsible for the aromas of fruits and flowers, influencing flavors in food and scents in perfumes.

Culinary Uses

  • Esters are crucial in food industry as they provide many artificial flavors such as banana, apple, and strawberry.
  • In baking and cooking, understanding esters can help create delicious fruity flavors in desserts.

Health & Safety

  • Some esters are used in the medical field, for instance, as solvents for drugs that can enhance drug effectiveness.
  • While many esters are safe, some can be harmful when inhaled or ingested in large amounts, requiring proper usage.

Art & Literature

  • Esters have inspired poets and writers through their sweet, evocative scents, often used as metaphors for beauty and nature.
  • In the world of painting, esters are utilized as solvents for certain oil paints, demonstrating their importance in art creation.

Origin of 'ester'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'ester' comes from the German word 'Essigรคther', meaning vinegar ether.
  • The word's use in chemistry began in the early 19th century, highlighting its relevance in organic chemistry.

The word 'ester' comes from the German language, derived from the word 'รคther', which means 'ether'. It was first introduced in the early 19th century as chemists were beginning to appreciate the various organic compounds that could be synthesized, particularly those resulting from the reaction between alcohols and acids. The concept of esters became widely recognized with the development of organic chemistry, where it was noted that certain compounds had distinct smells and properties due to their ester functional group. This term has since evolved and is used universally in the field of chemistry to describe a whole class of compounds characterized by a specific chemical structure.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,384, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.