chelator

noun

che·​la·​tor ˈkē-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce chelator (audio)
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

Dictionary Entries Near chelator

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

chelator

noun
che·​la·​tor ˈkē-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce chelator (audio)
: 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: - Updated example sentences
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