citrate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “citrate” mean?
A salt or ester of citric acid, a key organic compound found in citrus fruits.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A salt or ester of citric acid, a key organic compound found in citrus fruits.
In biochemistry, a central molecule in the Krebs (citric acid) cycle, which is crucial for cellular energy production. In medicine and industry, citrate salts are used as anticoagulants (e.g., in blood collection tubes), preservatives, and food additives (e.g., acidity regulators).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of related words (e.g., analyse/analyze) may differ in respective scientific publications.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. The verb form 'to citrate' is more common in American medical/pharmaceutical literature.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to larger volume of biomedical and pharmaceutical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “citrate” in a Sentence
[N] citrate[ADJ] citratecitrate of [METAL/NAME]to citrate [OBJECT] (verb)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “citrate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The laboratory protocol requires you to citrate the blood sample immediately.
- This compound is citrated to enhance its solubility.
American English
- They had to citrate the plasma to keep it from clotting during the procedure.
- The formula is citrated for stability.
adjective
British English
- The citrate concentration was measured spectrophotometrically.
- We observed a citrate-dependent reaction.
American English
- The citrate level in the urine was abnormally low.
- A citrate-based anticoagulant is preferred.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the pharmaceutical or food additive industry: 'The contract specifies a monthly supply of magnesium citrate.'
Academic
In biochemistry: 'The study measured the inhibitory effect of citrate on the enzyme.'
Everyday
Virtually non-existent. Possible in specific health contexts: 'My doctor recommended potassium citrate for my kidneys.'
Technical
In medicine/lab work: 'The blood samples were collected in citrate tubes to prevent clotting.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “citrate”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “citrate”
- Mispronouncing as /saɪˈtreɪt/ (like 'sight-rate').
- Using 'citrate' to mean 'citric acid'.
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'citrates' is correct for multiple types.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Citric acid is the parent acid (C₆H₈O₇). A citrate is a salt or ester formed when that acid reacts with a base or an alcohol.
Yes, in technical contexts, especially medicine/pharmacy. 'To citrate' means to treat or mix with a citrate, usually to prevent blood coagulation or to adjust solubility.
No. It is a specialist term from chemistry, biology, and medicine. The average person might encounter it on food or medicine labels.
In medicine, 'sodium citrate' is very common as an anticoagulant. In biochemistry, 'citrate synthase' (an enzyme) is a fundamental term.
A salt or ester of citric acid, a key organic compound found in citrus fruits.
Citrate is usually technical/scientific in register.
Citrate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪtreɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪtreɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CITRUS fruits (lemons, oranges) which contain CITRIC acid. CITR-ATE is the salt or ester made from that acid.
Conceptual Metaphor
CITRATE IS A KEY / CITRATE IS A REGULATOR (e.g., a key molecule in a cycle; a regulator of acidity or coagulation).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'citrate' MOST likely to be used?