lactate

1 of 2

noun

lac·​tate ˈlak-ˌtāt 

: 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

Noun

These muscle fibers rely on glucose for energy, breaking it down into lactate, which can help fuel the brain. — Erica Sloan, SELF, 21 Nov. 2025

Calcium lactate crystals are most common in Cheddar and Colby cheeses, and may cause a slightly chalky or gritty mouthfeel. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025

Verb

Mama bear was down with pneumonia and was too malnourished to lactate. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026

None of the 24 female bears were reported to be lactating, which is a sign a female bear recently gave birth. — Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026

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

Phrases Containing lactate

• lactate dehydrogenase

Rhymes for lactate

• tractate

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 

: a salt or ester of lactic acid

lactate

2 of 2 intransitive verb

lactated; lactating

: to secrete milk