chelate

1 of 3

adjective

che·​late ˈkē-ˌlāt 

also ˈchē-

1

: resembling or having chelae

2

[from the pincerlike way in which the metal ion is held] : of, relating to, or being a chelate

chelate

2 of 3

verb

chelated; chelating

transitive verb

: to combine with (a metal) so as to form a chelate ring

intransitive verb

: to react so as to form a chelate ring

chelatable

ˈkē-ˌlā-tə-bəl 

also ˈchē-

adjective

chelate

3 of 3

noun

: a compound having a ring structure that usually contains a metal ion held by coordinate bonds

Examples of chelate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Each vegetarian capsule contains 500mg of premium, high-quality, natural magnesium as oxide, chelate, citrate, and succinate. — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Oct. 2022

Verb

The chelating shampoo tackles the mineral buildup that the filter cannot remove. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2026

Keep in mind that chelating shampoos clear away what’s already there. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026

Noun

Amend the soil with iron chelates or nitrogen-rich fertilizer as needed. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 May 2026

Some other medications form complexes, usually chelates, that reduce iron absorption. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1922, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1943, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chelate

• pellet
• prelate
• zealot
• appellate

Medical Definition

chelate

1 of 3 adjective

che·​late ˈkē-ˌlāt 

: of, relating to, or having the ring structure typical of a chelate

chelate

2 of 3 verb

chelated; chelating

transitive verb

: to combine with (a metal) so as to form a chelate ring

intransitive verb

: to react so as to form a chelate ring

chelatable

-ˌlāt-ə-bəl 

adjective

chelate

3 of 3 noun

: a compound having a ring structure that usually contains a metal ion held by coordinate bonds