French word

estérification

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛsteʁifikasjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounesterification

Example

Dans la fermentation, l'estérification produit des arômes fruités.

During fermentation, esterification produces fruity aromas.

Illustration for estérification (esterification)

More examples

Il a dit que l'estérification avait modifié le goût du fromage.

He said that esterification had changed the taste of the cheese.

Core concept

An alcohol molecule and an acid molecule join to make an ester molecule, sometimes bringing a fruity or floral scent.

Similar words

arôme: A fruity or floral scent found in food and drinks.
parfum: A pleasant fragrance from perfume or other objects.
odeur: A smell coming from an object or place.
saveur: The taste experienced when something is put in the mouth.

Definition in French

Action chimique conduisant à la formation d'un ester à partir d'un alcool et d'un acide, parfois catalysée par un acide ou une base.

Word origin

French formed estérification from ester with the suffix -ification, which names an action or process.

Usage tips

  • Estérification is a feminine noun, so the usual forms are l'estérification and une estérification.

Opposites

  • hydrolysehydrolysisnoun

Related words

  • estérifiéesterifiedadjective

Word lists with this word