cellulose acetate

noun

1. any of a group of acetic esters of cellulose, used to make yarns, textiles, nonflammable photographic films, rubber and celluloid substitutes, etc.

cellulose acetate

noun

1. nonflammable material made by acetylating cellulose: used in the manufacture of film, dopes, lacquers, and artificial fibres

cellulose acetate

1. Any of several compounds obtained by treating cellulose with acetic anhydride. Cellulose acetate is used in lacquers, photographic film, transparent sheeting, and cigarette filters.
2. Also called acetate cellulose

Word History and Origins

Origin of cellulose acetate¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Most cigarette butts contain filters made of cellulose acetate fibre, a type of a bioplastic.

From BBC

Items like Line Vautrin’s ruff style necklace of cellulose acetate, metal and mirror shards, or Michele Oka Doner’s bronze and diamond talisman necklace are as fragile as cicadas’ wings.

From New York Times

At the University of Kansas, Tang further analyzed the fossils using a painstaking process known as the “cellulose acetate peeling” technique.

From Seattle Times

The frames come in chunky, sturdy cellulose acetate or aerodynamic, streamlined titanium; the lenses range from translucent tinted blues or yellows to impenetrable, aloof black.

From New York Times

The butt of a cigarette is primarily the filter, made of a type of plasticized cellulose acetate.

From Washington Times