1. introducing an acetyl group into a molecule or compound, typically in a chemical reaction
Usage: chemistry; present participle of acetylate

Examples

• The chemist is acetylating the protein sample to prepare it for analysis.
• Acetylating aspirin involves adding an acetyl group to salicylic acid.
• The enzyme works by acetylating specific amino acids in the target protein.
• In the lab, they are acetylating the compound to increase its solubility.
• The acetylating agent reacted with the hydroxyl groups on the molecule.