acetate definition
What is Acetate? - Definition, Properties & Formula This is a form of the compound we will be discussing in this lesson: acetate. By definition, acetate is a type of anion, salt, or ester derived from the compound acetic acid. Let's break down this definition by looking at the three different forms of acetate. Acetate Has Many Forms... Keep in mind that as we go through each form of acetate, everything originates from the parent molecule acetic acid.