sulfate

noun

sul·fate | \ ˈsəl-ˌfāt

Definition of sulfate

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a salt or ester of sulfuric acid

2 : a divalent group or anion SO₄ characteristic of sulfuric acid and the sulfates

sulfate

verb

sulfated; sulfating

Definition of sulfate (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to treat or combine with sulfuric acid or a sulfate

Examples of sulfate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Other brands, like Davines and Rahua, were designed from the start to be sulfate-free. — Deanna Pai, Bon Appétit, "Why a Good, Clean Haircare Brand Is Hard to Find," 11 June 2019 Each moisturizing, sulfate-free formula can be used not only as a body wash, but as hand soap, shampoo, and face wash, too. — Marci Robin, Allure, "Right to Shower Is the New Brand Ensuring Homeless People Have Access to Hygiene Services," 20 Apr. 2019 For soil with extremely high pH, amend it with sulfur or iron sulfate. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Get Rid of Lawn Weeds," 19 Apr. 2019 Your Coverage Keep color vibrant longer by laying off hot tools, using a heat protectant spray before styling, and avoiding products that contain sulfates. — Sarah Ferguson, Marie Claire, "You've Spotted Your First Gray Hair: A Game Plan," 9 Nov. 2018 Look for products labeled sulfate-free, like L'Oréal Paris' EverPure pair. — Leah Melby Clinton, Marie Claire, "Color Your Hair? Four Things You Should Never Do in the Shower," 16 Nov. 2018 Aerosols are made of sea salt, rock dust, organic material from plants and conglomerations of sulfate molecules. — Helen Czerski, WSJ, "Tiny Particles That Let You See Your Breath," 11 Oct. 2018 Most importantly, look for shampoos that are sulfate free to really help your color last. — Zoë Weiner, Teen Vogue, "Lucy Hale Debuted Blonde Hair," 10 Oct. 2018 Under the Sun products are also sulfate free, which work best on my hair, leaving it less weighed down, bouncy, and free. — Noel Cymone Walker, SELF, "7 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way Wearing My Hair Natural at the Beach," 25 Sep. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The team also found that sulfated anophelins are more effective than hirudin, a blood-thinning molecule derived from the salivary juices of leeches, which is occasionally used in clinical settings. — Vanessa Zainzinger, Science | AAAS, "Mosquito spit can bust blood clots in mice," 10 Apr. 2018

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