polyvinyl acetate

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, odorless, nontoxic, transparent, thermoplastic, water-insoluble resin used as an adhesive in certain paints and as an intermediate in the synthesis of polyvinyl acetal and polyvinyl alcohol.

polyvinyl acetate

noun

1. a colourless odourless tasteless resin used in emulsion paints, adhesives, sealers, a substitute for chicle in chewing gum, and for sealing porous surfaces PVA

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyvinyl acetate¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Then the drawer front could be reglued, using ordinary yellow wood glue, also known as PVA or polyvinyl acetate glue, and plenty of clamps.

From Washington Post

After the war, the original tzicle gave way to a polyvinyl acetate – a synthetic plastic that takes up to five years to decompose, and dries into a hard residue that is difficult to remove.

From The Guardian

The sculptures in “Flesh of My Flesh” are made with polyvinyl acetate and pigments that change color over time — relatively quickly, during the exhibition.

From New York Times

Elmer's is made up of polyvinyl acetate, which is a synthetic polymer.

From Scientific American

In the case of polyvinyl acetate, each repeating unit contains an acetate group.

From Scientific American