/as"i tal'/ , n. Chem.
1. Also called diethylacetal . a colorless, volatile, sparingly water-soluble liquid, C 6 H 14 O 2 , having a nutlike aftertaste, obtained from acetaldehyde and ethyl alcohol: used chiefly as a solvent and in the manufacture of perfumes.
2. any of a class of compounds of aldehydes with alcohols.
[ 1850-55; ACET- + -AL 3 ]