Definition

1. Noun:
   • A salt of chloric acid: A chemical compound containing the anion ClO₃⁻, typically formed by the reaction of chloric acid with a base or metal.

Usage

• General Use: "Chlorate" is a technical term used primarily in chemistry to describe a specific class of chemical salts. It is used in contexts discussing chemical compounds, industrial processes, or pyrotechnics.
• Example: Potassium chlorate is a common chlorate used in matches and fireworks.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Sodium chlorate is a powerful herbicide.
  • The laboratory synthesized a new chlorate compound for testing.
  • The presence of chlorate in the water sample indicated industrial contamination.

Advanced Usage

• "Chlorate ion": Refers specifically to the polyatomic anion (ClO₃⁻) itself, which is the common component in all chlorate salts.
  • The chlorate ion has a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry.

Variants and Related Words

• Chloric acid (noun): The parent acid (HClO₃) from which chlorates are derived.
• Perchlorate (noun): A related salt containing the ClO₄⁻ anion, often discussed in similar chemical contexts.
• Hypochlorite (noun): A salt containing the ClO⁻ anion, a different oxyanion of chlorine.

Synonyms

• Salt of chloric acid: This is the defining synonym, though it is more descriptive than a direct replacement.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "chlorate" refers exclusively to the chemical compound. It does not have common metaphorical, idiomatic, or everyday uses outside of scientific and industrial contexts.

Noun

1. any salt of chloric acid