chelate

1 of 3

adjective

1
: resembling or having chelae
2
[from the pincerlike way in which the metal ion is held] : of, relating to, or being a chelate

chelate

2 of 3

verb

chelated; chelating

transitive verb

: to combine with (a metal) so as to form a chelate ring

intransitive verb

: to react so as to form a chelate ring
chelatable adjective

chelate

3 of 3

noun

: a compound having a ring structure that usually contains a metal ion held by coordinate bonds

Examples of chelate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Each tablet contains magnesium as chelate, glycinate, and oxide for easy absorption. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1922, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chelate was in 1826

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Cite this Entry

“Chelate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chelate. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

chelate

1 of 3 adjective
: of, relating to, or having the ring structure typical of a chelate

chelate

2 of 3 verb
chelated; chelating

transitive verb

: to combine with (a metal) so as to form a chelate ring

intransitive verb

: to react so as to form a chelate ring

chelate

3 of 3 noun
: a compound having a ring structure that usually contains a metal ion held by coordinate bonds

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