citrate

American  

[si-treyt, sahy-] / ˈsɪ treɪt, ˈsaɪ- /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a salt or ester of citric acid.

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citrate British  

/ -rɪt, ˈsaɪtreɪt, ˈsɪtreɪt /

noun

1. any salt or ester of citric acid. Salts of citric acid are used in beverages and pharmaceuticals

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citrate Scientific  

/ sĭt′rāt′ /

1. A salt or ester of citric acid.

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Etymology

Origin of citrate

First recorded in 1785–95; citr(ic acid) + -ate ²

Example Sentences

Workers in hazmat suits carefully weigh out magnesium citrate - a compound made by mixing the mineral with citric acid - into shiny, steel containers.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2025

Sodium citrate — a food-safe salt that binds the cheese and cream together into that iconic velvety texture Kraft first developed back in the 1910s.

From Salon • Jul. 6, 2025

“Magnesium citrate is used before colonoscopies to really get the bowel going,” said Dr. Li.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2024

Decades ago, to prepare for a colonoscopy, patients first had to clean out their colons using laxatives such as castor oil or magnesium citrate, sometimes over several days.

From Washington Post • Jul. 31, 2022

Potassium citrate, fifteen grains, and sweet spirit of nitre, fifteen drops, may be given in water to advantage three times daily.

From The Home Medical Library, Volume II (of VI) by Winslow, Kenelm