acetin

noun

ac·e·tin | \ ˈas-ət-ən

Medical Definition of acetin

: any of three liquid acetates formed when glycerol and acetic acid are heated together:

a : one C₃H₅(OH)₂C₂H₃O₂ containing only one acetate group that is used chiefly in the manufacture of explosives

— called also monoacetin

b : one C₃H₅(OH)(C₂H₃O₂)₂ containing two acetate groups that is used chiefly as a plasticizer and solvent

— called also diacetin

c : one C₃H₅(C₂H₃O₂)₃ containing three acetate groups that is used chiefly as a plasticizer and solvent and as a fixative in perfumes

— called also triacetin