stearate

noun

: a salt or ester of stearic acid

Examples of stearate 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.
Summary Magnesium stearate is an additive for specific foods and cosmetics and an inactive ingredient in many pharmaceuticals and supplements. Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025 But for those who are more sensitive, anything of mammalian origin is off the table: dairy, wool, gelatin, lanolin, and even more obscure products such as magnesium stearate, a fat derivative often found in pills and drug capsules. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2024 Culturelle Daily Probiotic,Digestive Health Capsules The Culturelle probiotic is made up of Lactobacillus GG, Inulin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sucrose maltodextrin, sodium ascorbate, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Jan. 2024 Some common medication ingredients made from mammals include gelatin, magnesium stearate, and lactose. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 22 Aug. 2023 Few people react to pills, but medicines or vaccines that contain gelatin, glycerin, magnesium stearate or bovine extract can cause trouble for highly sensitive individuals. Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon, oregonlive, 21 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stearate was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Stearate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stearate. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

stearate

noun
: a salt or ester of stearic acid
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