ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

[ eth-uh-leen-dahy-uh-meen-te-truh-uh-see-tik, -set-ik, -min-; eth-uh-leen-dahy-uh-meen-te-truh-uh-see-tik, -set-ik, -min- ]

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. EDTA.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid¹

First recorded in 1940–45; ethylene + diamine + tetra- + acetic acid

Example Sentences

Builders to be avoided include phosphates, which contribute to the deoxygenation of marine environments, and EDTA, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, which can bind to heavy metals and damage both people and aquatic animals.

From Washington Post