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Definition of xanthation
xanthation
/zænˈθeɪ.ʃən/
xan · tha · tion
Plural:xanthations
•Adjective:xanthated
xanthation Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
13
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
xanthation Game Scores & Validity
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• noun
1
The chemical process of treating a substance, typically cellulose, with an alkali and carbon disulfide to produce a xanthate, serving as a crucial intermediate step in the manufacture of viscose rayon and cellophane.
Example
"During the commercial production of rayon fibers, the xanthation of alkali cellulose allows the material to become soluble in water."
• Rhymes for xanthation
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the chemical term 'xanthate' (from Greek 'xanthos' meaning 'yellow', referring to the yellow color of the formed salts) and the noun-forming suffix '-ion'. The term emerged in the late 19th century alongside the development of the viscose process for making rayon.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Xanthation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/xanthation