/as"i tayt'/ , n.
1. Chem. a salt or ester of acetic acid.
2. Also called acetate rayon . a synthetic filament, yarn, or fabric composed of a derivative of the acetic ester of cellulose, differing from viscose rayon in having greater strength when wet and greater sensitivity to high temperatures.
3. a sheet of clear plastic film fastened over the front of artwork for protection, as an overlay, or the like.
4. a slow-burning base material, cellulose triacetate, used for motion-picture film to minimize fire hazard during projection, and also for animation cells.
[ 1820-30; ACET- + -ATE 2 ]