sulfate

[ suhl-feyt ]

noun

1. Chemistry. a salt or ester of sulfuric acid.

verb (used with object)

, sul·fat·ed, sul·fat·ing.

1. to combine, treat, or impregnate with sulfuric acid, a sulfate, or sulfates.
2. to convert into a sulfate.
3. Electricity. to form a deposit of lead-sulfate compound on (the lead electrodes of a storage battery).

verb (used without object)

, sul·fat·ed, sul·fat·ing.

1. to become sulfated.

sulfate

/ sŭl′fāt′ /

1. A salt or ester of sulfuric acid, containing the group SO 4 .

Other Words From

• sul·fation noun
• super·sulfate noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sulfate¹

From the New Latin word sulphātum, dating back to 1780–90. See sulfur, -ate ²

Example Sentences

She points out that copper sulfate, a common organic pesticide, can be “at least 15 times more toxic” than some synthetic alternatives and remains in the “soil and groundwater longer, too.”

From Slate

She points out that copper sulfate, a common organic pesticide, can be “at least 15 times more toxic” than some synthetic alternatives and remains in the “soil and groundwater longer, too.”

From Slate

Sulfate aerosols, which are byproducts of fossil fuel burning, are reflective and can cool the environment.

From Science Daily

Sulfate aerosols can also help make clouds brighter, more reflective, and more effective at cooling the planet.

From Science Daily

The researchers note that the only way to prevent additional wildfires when cleaning up reflective sulfate air pollution is to simultaneously reduce emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.

From Science Daily