lactate

1 of 2

noun

lac·​tate ˈlak-ˌtāt How to pronounce lactate (audio)
: a salt or ester of lactic acid

lactate

2 of 2

verb

lactated; lactating

intransitive verb

: to secrete milk

Examples of lactate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
The usual assumption is that baking soda is most effective in events lasting between one and ten minutes, which generate the highest lactate levels. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 28 Aug. 2024 Then the breakdown of muscle glycogen that produces energy also results in the making of lactate plus a hydrogen ion. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 9 Aug. 2024
Verb
Concentrations of the hormone rose as mice began to lactate, and fell after weaning. Bycatherine Offord, science.org, 10 July 2024 For example, some lactating parents can get their first postpartum period much earlier or much later than six months. Christin Perry, Parents, 26 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for lactate 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin lactatus, past participle of lactare, from lact-, lac

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1794, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lactate was circa 1794

Dictionary Entries Near lactate

Cite this Entry

“Lactate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactate. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lactate

verb
lac·​tate
ˈlak-ˌtāt
lactated; lactating
: to give off milk
lactation
lak-ˈtā-shən
noun

Medical Definition

lactate

1 of 2 noun
lac·​tate ˈlak-ˌtāt How to pronounce lactate (audio)
: a salt or ester of lactic acid

lactate

2 of 2 intransitive verb
lactated; lactating
: to secrete milk

More from Merriam-Webster on lactate

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