oleate

noun

ole·​ate ˈō-lē-ˌāt How to pronounce oleate (audio)
: a salt or ester of oleic acid

Examples of oleate 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.
The research team found that common viruses can damage a queen’s ovaries, reducing both her egg-laying rate and the production of methyl oleate, a pheromone that keeps worker bees loyal. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oleate was circa 1823

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Cite this Entry

“Oleate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oleate. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

Medical Definition

oleate

noun
ole·​ate ˈō-lē-ˌāt How to pronounce oleate (audio)
1
: a salt or ester of oleic acid
2
: a liquid or semisolid preparation of a medicinal dissolved in an excess of oleic acid
mercury oleate
oleate of quinine
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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