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Glite Dictionary
stearate

stearate

1 9.1
A chemical made from a common fat used in cosmetics, soaps, and tablets
  • noun
  • /ˈstɪəreɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : estearato
  • Chemists use sodium stearate in various applications, including as an emulsifier in food products.
  • aluminum stearate
  • magnesium stearate

Examples

  • Aluminum stearate is a common ingredient in many commercial oil paints and cosmetics.

  • And you'll note that palmatate as well as stearate here are fully saturated.

  • Other Ingredients: Gelatin, Silica, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate.

    Academic text (2003)

  • The borax and washing soda will turn the stearic acid and lauric acid of Dove into sodium stearate and sodium laurate, respectively.

    Blog text (18)

  • The pharmaceutical industry often utilizes magnesium stearate as a lubricant in tablet manufacturing.

Compounds

calcium stearate
  • Specialized
5.9

A white powder that does not dissolve in water and helps things move and flow better

Surface Forms

stearate singular
stearates plural

Morphology

stearate = stearic (opaque) = stear + ate

Formation follows chemical nomenclature (root 'stear-' + '-ate') and depends on technical knowledge of stearic acid, so it is not guessable to a general learner.

Etymology

Stearate comes from the Greek root stear meaning 'tallow' or 'fat' and the chemical ending -ate, as in carbonate. So stearate is basically a 'fat' turned into a salt or similar chemical, which is why it is used in soaps, cosmetics, and tablets.