chelator

noun

che·la·tor ˈkē-ˌlā-tər

kē-ˈlā-tər,

also ˈchē-ˌlā-tər,

chē-ˈlā-

: one that chelates

especially : a binding agent that suppresses chemical activity by forming chelates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Share [Findings] Hemotoxic snakebite may be treatable with a heavy-metal chelator. —

Christian Lorentzen, Harpers Magazine, 1 Mar. 2023 Other work had flagged another type of chelator that wasn’t toxic but didn’t do as good of a job removing uranium, especially from bones and the kidney. —

Lacy Schley, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chelator.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of chelator was in 1957

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Chelator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chelator. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

chelator

noun

che·la·tor ˈkē-ˌlāt-ər

: any of various compounds that combine with metals to form chelates and that include some used medically in the treatment of metal poisoning (as by lead)

Last Updated: 4 Mar 2023 - Updated example sentences