Ester: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

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

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.

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

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