1. to produce milk
Usage: biology

1. a salt or ester of lactic acid
Usage: chemistry

Examples

• Mammals lactate to feed their young.
• The mother began to lactate shortly after giving birth.
• Dairy cows lactate for several months after calving.
• The laboratory tested the blood lactate levels.
• Sodium lactate is commonly used as a food preservative.
• High lactate concentrations can indicate muscle fatigue.