folate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “folate” mean?
A B vitamin, specifically vitamin B9, that occurs naturally in foods like leafy green vegetables and is essential for cell growth and function.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A B vitamin, specifically vitamin B9, that occurs naturally in foods like leafy green vegetables and is essential for cell growth and function.
Refers both to the naturally occurring vitamin found in food and to the synthetic form used in supplements and fortified foods (folic acid). It is crucial for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and proper fetal development during pregnancy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term identically in technical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in technical registers in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “folate” in a Sentence
N of folate (e.g., a source of folate)ADJ + folate (e.g., dietary folate)V + folate (e.g., contain folate, require folate)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “folate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The folate content of spinach is reduced by boiling.
- Folate deficiency is a public health concern.
American English
- The folate content in spinach decreases when you boil it.
- Folate deficiency remains a health issue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of food labelling, supplement manufacturing, and health product marketing (e.g., 'Our cereal is fortified with folate.')
Academic
Central in nutrition science, biochemistry, and medical literature on prenatal care and hematology (e.g., 'The study examined folate's role in homocysteine metabolism.')
Everyday
Used in discussions about diet, pregnancy, and health (e.g., 'My doctor told me to eat more foods with folate.')
Technical
Precise term in clinical settings, laboratory analyses, and pharmacological formulations (e.g., 'Serum folate concentration was measured.')
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “folate”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “folate”
- Pronouncing it as /fɔːˈleɪt/ (like 'foliage') instead of the standard /ˈfəʊ.leɪt/ or /ˈfoʊ.leɪt/.
- Using 'folate' and 'folic acid' interchangeably without noting the natural vs. synthetic distinction in precise writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not precisely. Folate is the general term for the various naturally occurring forms of vitamin B9 found in food. Folic acid is the stable, synthetic form used in supplements and fortified foods. The body must convert folic acid into the active form of folate.
Folate is critical for the proper development of the baby's neural tube (which becomes the brain and spinal cord) very early in pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Adequate intake helps prevent major birth defects.
Excellent natural sources include dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), legumes (lentils, chickpeas), asparagus, broccoli, citrus fruits, liver, and avocados.
It is very difficult to get too much folate from natural food sources. However, excessive intake of synthetic folic acid from supplements can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, which is a concern. Always follow recommended dietary allowances.
A B vitamin, specifically vitamin B9, that occurs naturally in foods like leafy green vegetables and is essential for cell growth and function.
Folate is usually technical/formal in register.
Folate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfəʊ.leɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfoʊ.leɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FOLiage + VitamATE → FOLATE is the vitamin found in leafy green foliage.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUILDING BLOCK: Folate is a crucial component for building new cells, especially during growth and repair.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'folate' most precisely used?