acyl

noun

ac·​yl ˈa-səl How to pronounce acyl (audio)
often attributive
: a radical RCO− derived usually from an organic acid by removal of the hydroxyl from all acid groups
often used in combination

Examples of acyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pantothenic acid is part of two essential enzymes: coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein (ACP).19 CoA is essential for the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 31 July 2025 The alkyne-azide bond was superefficient and left the original target, the acyl halide, largely untouched. Bydaniel Clery, science.org, 4 Oct. 2022 Each of the products are also made with acyl-glutathione, which is the brand's proprietary blend of glutathione. Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 9 Aug. 2018

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Acyl "acetyl," from New Latin acidum acid entry 1 + German -yl -yl

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acyl was in 1903

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acyl. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Medical Definition

acyl

noun
: a radical derived usually from an organic acid by removal of the hydroxyl from all acid groups
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!