Definition

A chemical compound that is a salt or an ester derived from oxalic acid, often found in various plants and used in some industrial processes.

Example

Spinach contains oxalate, which can affect calcium absorption in the body.

Conversation

Have you heard about oxalate in foods like spinach?

Yeah, I read it can cause problems for some people.

Exactly, too much oxalate can lead to kidney stones.

That's why I try to balance my diet with lower oxalate options.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To treat a sample or specimen using a specific chemical compound known as oxalate or oxalic acid.

Example

The scientist decided to oxalate the mineral sample to analyze its composition.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever had to oxalate any of your samples in the lab?

Not yet, but I've heard it can be quite a process.

Yeah, I did it last week, and it took a lot longer than I expected.

Root Explanation

Oxalate → It is derived from 'oxalis' (from Greek 'oxalis', meaning sour or sharp) and the suffix '-ate' (indicating a salt or ester of an acid). The term 'oxalate' refers to the salt or ester derived from oxalic acid, which is known for its sour taste.

Memory Tip

Think of 'oxalis', which means sour, to remember that 'oxalate' refers to a compound related to a sour acid.

Visually Confused Words