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noun

sulfate

SUHL-fayt

Sulfate (noun) means a salt or ester of sulfuric acid. Example: “Magnesium sulfate is commonly known as Epsom salt.”

noun
1
A salt or ester of sulfuric acid.
"Magnesium sulfate is commonly known as Epsom salt."
verb
1
To treat a substance with sulfuric acid or a sulfate compound.
"The battery plates had begun to sulfate after years of neglect."

How to use sulfate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA chemical compound formed from sulfuric acid, common in fertilizers, detergents, and shampoos.

UK vs US

Also spelled "sulphate" in British English, though "sulfate" is now the standard scientific spelling worldwide.

Common pairings
sodium lauryl sulfate copper sulfate sulfate-free shampoo

Word forms

sulfated past tense, sulfates plural, sulfates singular

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Magnesium _____ is commonly known as Epsom salt.

Etymology

From French sulfate, coined in 1787 by chemist Louis-Bernard Guyton de Morveau from Latin sulphur.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1787

Class of 1787 sulfate joined the language around 1787.
See the full Class of 1787 →
sulphate

Rhymes for sulfate

See all rhymes for sulfate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “sulfate” mean?

The word “sulfate” means a salt or ester of sulfuric acid. In plain terms, a chemical compound formed from sulfuric acid, common in fertilizers, detergents, and shampoos.

How do you pronounce “sulfate”?

“Sulfate” is pronounced SUHL-fayt (/ˈsʌlfeɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “sulfate” in a sentence?

Here is “sulfate” used in a sentence: “Magnesium sulfate is commonly known as Epsom salt.”

What part of speech is “sulfate”?

Depending on how it is used, “sulfate” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “sulfate” come from?

The word “sulfate” dates back to around 1787 and comes from Latin. From French sulfate, coined in 1787 by chemist Louis-Bernard Guyton de Morveau from Latin sulphur.

How many meanings does “sulfate” have?

“Sulfate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a salt or ester of sulfuric acid.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial