The ethyl ester of acetoacetic acid, a liquid with a fruity odour, used as an intermediate in synthetic and manufacturing processes and in flavourings.
Origin
Late 19th century.
Definition of ethyl acetoacetate in US English:
ethyl acetoacetate
noun
Chemistry
The ethyl ester of acetoacetic acid, a liquid with a fruity odour, used as an intermediate in synthetic and manufacturing processes and in flavourings.