sorbate

American  

[sawr-beyt, -bit] / ˈsɔr beɪt, -bɪt /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a sorbed sorb substance.

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Etymology

Origin of sorbate

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

Example Sentences

The analysis focused on 17 individual preservatives, including citric acid, lecithins, total sulfites, ascorbic acid, sodium nitrite, potassium sorbate, sodium erythorbate, sodium ascorbate, potassium metabisulfite, and potassium nitrate.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

Total sorbates, especially potassium sorbate, were associated with a 14% higher risk of overall cancer and a 26% higher risk of breast cancer.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

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

From Washington Post • Jan. 11, 2016

Mike Siemienas, a spokesman for General Mills, which owns Yoplait, says that potassium sorbate is a salt used in small amounts in yogurt to prevent the growth of mold and yeast.

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