Acrylate

/ˈækrɪˌleɪt/ noun

Definition

A salt or ester of acrylic acid, commonly used in the production of plastics, adhesives, and synthetic fibers.

Etymology

From acrylic acid plus the suffix '-ate' (denoting a salt or ester in chemistry). The term emerged in the 1930s-40s as industrial chemistry expanded synthetic polymer production.

Kelly Says

Super Glue and crazy glue both contain acrylate chemistry that polymerizes almost instantly when exposed to moisture—your skin contains enough water that the adhesive can bond in seconds, which is why getting your fingers stuck happens so easily!

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