hemiacetal

noun

hemi·​ac·​e·​tal ˌhe-mē-ˈa-sə-ˌtal How to pronounce hemiacetal (audio)
: any of a class of compounds characterized by the grouping C(OH)(OR) where R is an alkyl group and usually formed as intermediates in the preparation of acetals from aldehydes or ketones

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hemiacetal was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near hemiacetal

Cite this Entry

“Hemiacetal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hemiacetal. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

hemiacetal

noun
hemi·​ac·​e·​tal ˌhem-ē-ˈas-ə-ˌtal How to pronounce hemiacetal (audio)
: any of a class of compounds characterized by the group C(OH)(OR) where R is an alkyl group and usually formed as intermediates in the preparation of acetals from aldehydes or ketones

More from Merriam-Webster on hemiacetal

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!