éster
/ˈesteɾ/masculine
The English word "ester" translates to éster in Spanish.
In a chemical context, éster refers to a compound containing a carbon-oxygen double bond joined via carbon to another oxygen atom.
Meaning: compound with carbon-oxygen double bond joined via carbon to another oxygen atom (noun)
Which one should you use?
The alternative spelling Esther is sometimes used in Spanish. Additionally, Estercita is an endearing diminutive form of the name Ester.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word éster is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈesteɾ/
Did you know?
- While éster is a chemical term, the name Esther is derived from the Old Persian word for 'star'. In Spanish culture, this name is deeply associated with the biblical Queen Esther.
- In Spanish chemistry, the term esterificación describes the process of creating an éster. This process is often used in Spanish fragrance industries to create synthetic smells like 'banana' or 'pear'.
- In Spanish, the word éster can be a homophone for the name Ester depending on the regional accent, as both are pronounced similarly. This can lead to humorous misunderstandings in a laboratory setting if someone shouts for 'Ester' to grab a chemical.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, Ester! ¿Cómo estás?Hello, Ester! How are you?
- Ester es mi mejor amigaEster is my best friend
- ¿Has visto a Ester hoy?Have you seen Ester today?
- ¿Puedo contar contigo, Ester?Can I count on you, Ester?
- Nos vemos más tarde, EsterSee you later, Ester
- Este éster tiene un olor muy fuerte.This ester has a very strong smell.
- El químico analizó cada éster en la mezcla.The chemist analyzed every ester in the mixture.
- Necesitamos sintetizar un éster nuevo para la investigación.We need to synthesize a new ester for the research.
Example conversation
Two students are working in a chemistry laboratory.
- LucíaMateo, ¿puedes identificar este éster?Mateo, can you identify this ester?
- MateoCreo que es un éster de acetato.I think it is an acetate ester.
- LucíaTienes razón, el olor lo confirma.You are right, the smell confirms it.
- MateoLucía, anotaré el resultado en la libreta.Lucía, I will write the result in the notebook.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ester” translations and entries éster, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
