lactate

1 of 2

noun

lac·​tate ˈlak-ˌtāt How to pronounce lactate (audio)
: a salt or ester of lactic acid

lactate

2 of 2

verb

lactated; lactating

intransitive verb

: to secrete milk

Examples of lactate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Sedentary participants also had higher levels of lactate during exercise than the active men, suggesting that physical activity was more difficult for them and required a less efficient way of producing energy, Reddy explained. — Zoe Cunniffe, HEALTH, 6 Aug. 2026 Biomarkers from their blood showed elevated levels of metabolic molecules such as lactate, which indicate faulty mitochondrial performance and correlate with anxiety. — Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026
Verb
In the non-lactating breast, more than half the volume is fat and connective tissue rather than milk-making tissue, and the gland only expands substantially during pregnancy and nursing. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Colostrum is the first milk produced by lactating cows, containing the antibodies necessary for newborn calves to fight infections. — Joey Schamber, jsonline.com, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lactate

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin lactatus, past participle of lactare, from lact-, lac

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1794, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lactate was circa 1794

Phrases Containing lactate

Rhymes for lactate

See All Rhymes for lactate

Browse Nearby Words

lactase
lactate
lactate dehydrogenase
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lactate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lactate

verb
lac·​tate
ˈlak-ˌtāt
lactated; lactating
: to give off milk
lactation
lak-ˈtā-shən
noun

Medical Definition

lactate

1 of 2 noun
lac·​tate ˈlak-ˌtāt How to pronounce lactate (audio)
: a salt or ester of lactic acid

lactate

2 of 2 intransitive verb
lactated; lactating
: to secrete milk

More from Merriam-Webster on lactate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lactate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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