verb (used without object), lac·tat·ed, lac·tat·ing.
- to produce milk.
noun Chemistry.
- an ester or salt of lactic acid.
noun
- an ester or salt of lactic acid
verb
- (intr) (of mammals) to produce or secrete milk
v.“secrete milk from the breasts,” 1889, probably a back-formation from lactation. Related: Lactated; lactating. n.1794, from stem of lactic + -ate (1).
- A salt or ester of lactic acid. Lactate is a product of fermentation and is produced during cellular respiration as glucose is broken down.