Chelatable

/ˈkeɪleɪtəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Capable of being chelated or forming chelate compounds with metal ions.

Etymology

From 'chelate' (derived from Greek 'chele' meaning claw) plus English suffix '-able' (meaning capable of). The '-ate' ending indicates a chemistry term.

Kelly Says

When a molecule is 'chelatable,' it can grab onto heavy metal ions like a crab's claw—this property is literally used to remove heavy metal poisoning from people's bodies!

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