lactate

1 of 2

noun

lac·​tate ˈlak-ˌtāt How to pronounce lactate (audio)
: a salt or ester of lactic acid

lactate

2 of 2

verb

lactated; lactating

intransitive verb

: to secrete milk

Examples of lactate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Previous research involved encapsulating calcium lactate, nutrients, and spores in lightweight aggregates and/or capsules. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026 The researchers concluded the sharks with CECs showed altered triglycerides, urea and lactate levels. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
Pregnant or lactating people should limit caffeine to 200 mg daily. Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 11 May 2026 Mama bear was down with pneumonia and was too malnourished to lactate. Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lactate

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin lactatus, past participle of lactare, from lact-, lac

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1794, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lactate was circa 1794

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lactate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactate. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

lactate

verb
lac·​tate
ˈlak-ˌtāt
lactated; lactating
: to give off milk
lactation
lak-ˈtā-shən
noun

Medical Definition

lactate

1 of 2 noun
lac·​tate ˈlak-ˌtāt How to pronounce lactate (audio)
: a salt or ester of lactic acid

lactate

2 of 2 intransitive verb
lactated; lactating
: to secrete milk

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