sulfate

American  

[suhl-feyt] / ˈsʌl feɪt /

noun

1. Chemistry. a salt or ester of sulfuric acid.

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verb (used with object)

sulfated, sulfating

1. to combine, treat, or impregnate with sulfuric acid, a sulfate, or sulfates.

2. to convert into a sulfate.

3. Electricity. to form a deposit of lead-sulfate compound on (the lead electrodes of a storage battery).

verb (used without object)

sulfated, sulfating

1. to become sulfated.

sulfate Scientific  

/ sŭl′fāt′ /

1. A salt or ester of sulfuric acid, containing the group SO ₄.

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Other Word Forms

• sulfation noun
• supersulfate noun

Etymology

Origin of sulfate

From the New Latin word sulphātum, dating back to 1780–90. See sulfur, -ate ²

Example Sentences

Scientists found sulfate minerals concentrated in a small low area that likely formed when pools of sulfate-rich water gradually evaporated.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

It will reportedly be the first factory in Africa to refine lithium concentrate into lithium sulfate -- a powdered form that is one step closer to the product used in batteries.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

"We also detected the production of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, which are molecules in the nervous system that respond to injury and disease."

From Science Daily • Feb. 16, 2026

"The baddies that you want to look out for… is your mineral oil, your sodium lauryl sulfate, parfum, benzel peroxide" being high up on the ingredients list, Miss Truman says.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025

The treatment is bed rest, which he desperately needs anyway, injections of zinc sulfate, and quinine tablets.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman