sulfate

1 of 2

noun

sul·​fate ˈsəl-ˌfāt How to pronounce sulfate (audio)
1
: a salt or ester of sulfuric acid
2
: a divalent group or anion SO4 characteristic of sulfuric acid and the sulfates

sulfate

2 of 2

verb

sulfated; sulfating

transitive verb

: to treat or combine with sulfuric acid or a sulfate

Examples of sulfate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Tula products are free of parabens, silicone, dyes, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2023 Others report that an OTC antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin (bacitracin zinc, neomycin sulfate, and polymyxin B sulfate) applied twice daily helps eradicate some infections. Joe and Teresa Graedon, oregonlive, 7 Aug. 2023 These soft chews, which are stuffed with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate, assist cartilage development and joint cushioning. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2023 The vegan formula is free from alcohol, sulfates, phthalates, and parabens. Staff Author, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2023 Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: Eukanuba understands that cartilage repair and inflammation reduction are vital for dogs with arthritis. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023 Many shampoos contain harsh sulfates or strong scents, so this one is a nice alternative free of those potential irritants. Lacey Muinos, Health, 4 Aug. 2023 The general rule of thumb is to stay clear of sulfates, parabens, and silicones. Sabrina Talbert, Women's Health, 1 Aug. 2023 Ogden's 55,000-acre solar evaporation pond complex produces salt, sulfate of potash and magnesium chloride from the Great Salt Lake. Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 Aug. 2023
Verb
When the battery overheats, the water in the sulfuric acid solution within its case will boil and escape, leaving dry lead plates behind, which sulfate and lose their capacity. Randy Zellers, Field & Stream, 10 Apr. 2023 Energizing Scalp Serum for its gentle, sulfate-free formula. Rebecca Deczynski, Health, 30 Jan. 2023 Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo is a gentle, sulfate free blend that is safe for color treated hair. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 June 2022 He was charged in April with providing oxycodone and morphine sulfate to a patient who died. Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 4 May 2022 In general, volcanic eruptions contribute volcanic ash and sulfate aerosols to the atmosphere that shade the planet from the sun's radiation, cooling Earth's atmosphere. Will Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2022 In fact, sulfate-free surfactants help to produce supple skin ready to be shaved. Dallas News, 4 Oct. 2022 This alcohol, paraben, and sulfate-free formula can really make an impact. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Oct. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sulfate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from Latin sulfur

First Known Use

Noun

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sulfate was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near sulfate

Cite this Entry

“Sulfate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sulfate. Accessed 28 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

sulfate

noun
sul·​fate
ˈsəl-ˌfāt
: a compound and especially a salt formed by the reaction of sulfuric acid with another substance

Medical Definition

sulfate

1 of 2 noun
sul·​fate
variants or chiefly British sulphate
1
: a salt or ester of sulfuric acid
2
: a bivalent group or anion SO4 characteristic of sulfuric acid and the sulfates

sulfate

2 of 2 transitive verb
variants or chiefly British sulphate
sulfated or chiefly British sulphated; sulfating or chiefly British sulphating
: to treat or combine with sulfuric acid or a sulfate

More from Merriam-Webster on sulfate

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