acetate, one of the most important forms of artificial cellulose-based fibers; the ester of acetic acid. The first patents for the production of fibers from cellulose acetate appeared at the beginning of the 20th cent. During World War I, production of acetylcellulose began on an industrial scale for military applications. Acetate fibers are basically delivered in the form of a continuous textile yarn. Their principal use is in the production of widely used consumer goods, such as men's shirts, women's blouses, underwear, ties, bathing suits, jersey jackets and sweaters, suit fabrics, coats, and sports clothing.