molybdate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/Very LowTechnical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “molybdate” mean?
A salt or ester of molybdic acid, containing the anion MoO4²⁻.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A salt or ester of molybdic acid, containing the anion MoO4²⁻.
Any compound containing the molybdate ion; used widely as a reagent, corrosion inhibitor, catalyst, and in pigments. In biochemistry, a specific inhibitor of certain phosphatases.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical or pronunciation differences. Spelling and usage are identical in technical contexts.
Connotations
None beyond its scientific definition.
Frequency
Equal, very low frequency in both varieties, confined to chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry.
Grammar
How to Use “molybdate” in a Sentence
[Pre-modifier] + molybdate (e.g., sodium molybdate)molybdate + [of] + [metal] (archaic/formulaic, e.g., molybdate of lead)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “molybdate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The molybdate coating provided excellent corrosion resistance.
- A molybdate-based inhibitor was tested.
American English
- The molybdate coating provided excellent corrosion resistance.
- A molybdate-based inhibitor was tested.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. May appear in technical specifications for chemical supply or industrial processes.
Academic
Used in chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, and geology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary domain of use. Refers to specific compounds in synthesis, analysis (e.g., spectrophotometric phosphate test), corrosion protection, and catalysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “molybdate”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “molybdate”
- Misspelling as 'molybdite' (a different ion).
- Mispronouncing the first syllable as /ˈmɒl.ɪb/ instead of /məˈlɪb/.
- Confusing it with 'molybdenum' the metal.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency technical term used almost exclusively in chemistry and related fields.
No, 'molybdate' is exclusively a noun (for the ion) or used attributively as an adjective (e.g., molybdate solution). There is no standard verb form.
Molybdenum is a chemical element (symbol Mo). A molybdate is a compound containing oxygen and molybdenum in a specific ionic form (MoO4²⁻).
It is pronounced /məˈlɪb.deɪt/ in both British and American English, with the stress on the second syllable.
A salt or ester of molybdic acid, containing the anion MoO4²⁻.
Molybdate is usually technical, scientific in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'molybdenum' (the element Mo) + '-ate' (common ending for salts, like 'sulfate'). So, a 'molybdate' is a salt derived from molybdenum.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term with no common metaphorical mapping.)
Practice
Quiz
What is a common use of molybdates?