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

Sulfate minerals are widespread throughout the Valles Marineris region, especially in rugged landscapes called chaotic terrains.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

Sulfate aerosols are also warmed by the Sun, enough to potentially affect the movement of moisture and even alter the jet stream.

From Nature • Nov. 26, 2018

The only ingredient listed on the package I use is: Magnesium Sulfate U.S.P.

From New York Times • Jan. 5, 2018

Sulfate nickel regularly fetches a price premium over London Metal Exchange-traded nickel.

From Reuters • Oct. 31, 2017

Sulfate of alumina, Use of in spent lyes, 108.

From Soap-Making Manual A Practical Handbook on the Raw Materials, Their Manipulation, Analysis and Control in the Modern Soap Plant. by Thomssen, E. G.