formate

American  

[fawr-meyt] / ˈfɔr meɪt /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a salt or ester of formic acid.

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formate British  

/ ˈfɔːmeɪt /

noun

1. any salt or ester of formic acid containing the ion HCOO ^– or the group HCOO–

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formate Scientific  

/ fôr′māt′ /

1. A salt or ester of formic acid, containing the group HCOO.

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Etymology

Origin of formate

First recorded in 1800–10; form(ic) + -ate ²

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

formate

During fermentation, the microbes release acidic by products including acetate and formate.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 13, 2026

Researchers say a cleaner alternative would be to produce formate directly from carbon dioxide in the air.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 3, 2026

A new study from scientists at Yale University and the University of Missouri shows that catalysts made with manganese can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into formate.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 3, 2026

Methanol and methyl formate had already been observed in the gas phase within the Large Magellanic Cloud, but this is the first evidence that such molecules are also forming in the solid ice itself.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 12, 2025

Tests.—Heated with caustic potash, it yields chloroform and potassium formate.

From Aids to Forensic Medicine and Toxicology by Robertson, W. G. Aitchison (William George Aitchison )