Definition

A substance that can bind to metal ions and remove them from solutions or biological systems.

Example

The doctor prescribed a chelator to help remove excess metals from the patient's body.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a chelator?

Yeah, I think it's something that binds to metals in the body, right?

Exactly! They often use a chelator in treatment for heavy metal poisoning.

That sounds really interesting; I didn't know it was so useful.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Chelator is formed from "chelate" (from Greek "chēlē", meaning claw) and the suffix "-or" (meaning one who or that which). The word refers to a substance that acts like a claw to bind and remove metal ions from a solution.

Memory Tip

Imagine a claw ('chēlē') grabbing onto metal ions — that's how a chelator works to bind and remove them.

Visually Confused Words