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

Some gut bacteria can produce lactate and formate themselves, highlighting the importance of 'cross-feeding'.

From Science Daily • Feb. 8, 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

Today, most industrial formate production relies on fossil fuels, which limits its long-term environmental benefits.

From Science Daily • Feb. 3, 2026

The new device integrates organic semiconductors with enzymes from sulfate-reducing bacteria, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen or converting carbon dioxide into formate.

From Science Daily • Nov. 2, 2025

Laudo Deum verum, per quem sunt optima rerum        Qui dedit has puras homini formate figuras;        Hoc opus, his annis Domini sculpsere Johannis        Arte manus sole quandam, natique Nicole.

From The Lives of the Painters, Sculptors & Architects, Volume 1 (of 8) by Vasari, Giorgio