verb
- to introduce an acyl group into (a molecule or compound), typically in organic chemistry reactions
Usage: technical; chemistry
Examples
- The chemist used acetic anhydride to acylate the amine group.
- Proteins can be acylated through post-translational modifications.
- The reaction acylates the hydroxyl group on the sugar molecule.
- Researchers acylated the compound to improve its stability.
- Fatty acids acylate glycerol to form triglycerides in the body.