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
Between snot, sloppy kisses, spit up, poop and grabby little hands, there are plenty of other pathways by which a lactating parent’s body could get information about what antibodies to put on the menu. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 29 July 2026 And PrEP distribution has been halted to everyone but pregnant and lactating women. — ABC News, 23 July 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 22 Aug. 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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