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oxalate

oxalate

3 8.8
A chemical salt found in plants that can form kidney stones
  • noun
  • /ˈɑksəˌleɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : oxalato
  • Oxalate binds with calcium in the digestive tract to form an insoluble salt that cannot be absorbed.
  • calcium oxalate

It can cause the formation of calcium oxalate stones, kidney stones.

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Examples

  • The urinalysis showed a pH of 5.5, specific gravity of 1.025, +1 protein, +1 hemoglobin, 20-30 red blood cells/high power field, 4-8 white blood cells/high power field, and crystals of calcium oxalate.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Oxalates do not significantly impact calcium absorption except when levels are high.

    Blog text (33)
  • Animals rarely appreciate them since they contain a lot of oxalate crystals that burn the mouth.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Most stones contain calcium, usually as calcium oxalate.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The troublesome oxalate appears again in the cashews and the tea.

    Academic text (1997)
  • It can cause the formation of calcium oxalate stones, kidney stones.

  • Registered dietitian Mary Hartley explained that oxalate, a pesky little molecule that binds to the calcium in spinach, leaves only 10% of the essential mineral available for absorption.

    Blog text (33)
  • Excessive amounts of oxalate, particularly from certain foods, can lead to kidney stones.

  • The presence of oxalate in some vegetables can interfere with calcium absorption in the body.

  • Many plants produce oxalate, which can contribute to various health issues when consumed in high quantities.

Compounds

uranyl oxalate
  • Specialized
9.9

A yellow crystal salt used in labs to test uranium

Surface Forms

oxalate singular
oxalates plural

Morphology

oxalate = oxalic (opaque) = oxal + ate

Although formed from a chemical base plus the suffix '-ate', the meaning 'salt or ester of oxalic acid' requires specialized chemical nomenclature not obvious to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Oxalate comes from the plant name oxalis and the Greek root oxys meaning 'sharp' or 'acid'. Because these chemicals come from 'sour' plants and act like acids, oxalate now means a salt or ester of oxalic acid commonly found in many plants.