pyruvate

noun

py·​ru·​vate pī-ˈrü-ˌvāt How to pronounce pyruvate (audio)
: a salt or ester of pyruvic acid

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In the cells, glucose is broken down into pyruvate. —James Robinson, Discover Magazine, 20 Oct. 2022 One type of pyruvate tracer reveals how much carbon is given off during daytime respiration—a key part of the carbon cycle that needs to be better quantified, Werner says. —Erik Stokstad, Science | AAAS, 16 Oct. 2019

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

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyruvate was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near pyruvate

pyruv-

pyruvate

pyruvic acid

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Pyruvate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyruvate. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

pyruvate

noun
py·​ru·​vate pī-ˈrü-ˌvāt How to pronounce pyruvate (audio)
: a salt or ester of pyruvic acid

More from Merriam-Webster on pyruvate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pyruvate

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