Ester
/ˈɛs.tər/noun
A compound formed from an acid and an alcohol by removal of water; in biology, a salt or derivative of an acid containing the group -COOR.
Did you know?The word was coined in German from the old name for ethyl acetate, Essigäther (“vinegar ether”), so its origin is more laboratory invention than ancient occult mystery.
Etymological Timeline
Mid-19th Century
German
Ester
“A class name coined for organic compounds derived from acids and alcohols.”
Earlier 19th Century
German
Essigäther
“Literally “vinegar ether,” the old name for ethyl acetate.”
19th Century
French
éther
“Ether, the volatile substance used in chemistry and medicine.”
Late Latin
Latin
aether
“The upper air, the pure bright sky.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
aithḗr
“The upper air or bright heavens.”