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sorbate

American  
[sawr-beyt, -bit] / ˈsɔr beɪt, -bɪt /

noun

Chemistry.
  1. a sorbed substance.


Etymology

Origin of sorbate

First recorded in 1925–30; sorb 2 + -ate 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

These included potassium sorbate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, and acetic acid.

From Science Daily Jan. 27, 2026

Common additives like sugar, salt, vinegar and alcohol have been used as preservatives for centuries, but modern-day food labels now reveal more unfamiliar ingredients such as sodium benzoate, calcium propionate, and potassium sorbate.

From Science Daily Feb. 2, 2024

Another new video takes aim at Yoplait's low-calorie offering, alarming consumers that it has potassium sorbate.

From Washington Post Jan. 11, 2016

The ads say that unlike Simply 100, Dannon Light & Fit Greek uses the artificial sweetener sucralose and Yoplait Greek 100 contains potassium sorbate as a preservative.

From New York Times Jan. 10, 2016

Mr. Doyle said he’s noticed an increase in packaged-food recalls involving products that don’t contain preservatives such as benzoate and sorbate, which can control the growth of harmful bacteria including botulism and salmonella.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 3, 2015

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