Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
stearate
Noun
/ˈstɪəreɪt/
Definition
A stearate is a salt or ester of stearic acid, a long-chain fatty acid commonly found in animal and vegetable fats.
Examples
- The formulation of the lotion contained magnesium stearate as an emulsifying agent.
- In baking, sodium stearate can be used to improve the texture of cakes.
- Some dietary supplements include stearates to aid in the absorption of active ingredients.
Meaning
Stearates are often used in various applications, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, as emulsifiers or stabilizers.
Synonyms
- Stearic acid salt
- Fatty acid salt
- Soap (in some contexts)