EDTA
noun
: a white crystalline acid C10H16N2O8 that is widely used as a chelating and sequestering (see sequester entry 1 sense 3) agent especially to inhibit the reactivity of metal ions
Note: In addition to industrial and scientific applications, EDTA is used as a food additive to preserve foods and inhibit discoloration. It is also used in medicine especially in chelation therapy to treat lead poisoning. EDTA is typically used in the form of a salt (such as the disodium salt C10H14N2O8Na2·2H2O or the calcium disodium salt C10H12N2O8Na2·3H2O).
Examples of EDTA in a Sentence
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Cosmetic chemist Ginger King says that many clarifying shampoos use chelating agents like EDTA and tetrasodium EDTA, which latch on to metal ions that may be in your water.
—
Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 19 Sep. 2024
Chelating shampoos include chelating ingredients like phytic acid, disodium EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, sodium gluconate, and citric acid that grab metals out of the hair.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 2 Apr. 2024
Another antidote — edetate calcium disodium, or EDTA, often used in tandem with dimercaprol — is also in short supply.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 12 July 2023
Its vegan formula contains EDTA and vitamin C—which help break down chlorine molecules and dissolve residue.
—Joseph Cheatham, Men's Health, 17 July 2023
This includes chelating agents such as EDTA, phosphates, zeolites, polyphosphates, and others.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Apr. 2023
Here is a good article on the concerns with the EDTA baits from Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott (Washington State University).
—oregonlive, 11 Mar. 2023
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Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 19 Sep. 2024
Chelating shampoos include chelating ingredients like phytic acid, disodium EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, sodium gluconate, and citric acid that grab metals out of the hair.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 2 Apr. 2024
Another antidote — edetate calcium disodium, or EDTA, often used in tandem with dimercaprol — is also in short supply.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 12 July 2023
Its vegan formula contains EDTA and vitamin C—which help break down chlorine molecules and dissolve residue.
—Joseph Cheatham, Men's Health, 17 July 2023
This includes chelating agents such as EDTA, phosphates, zeolites, polyphosphates, and others.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Apr. 2023
Here is a good article on the concerns with the EDTA baits from Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott (Washington State University).
—oregonlive, 11 Mar. 2023
Cite this Entry
“EDTA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/EDTA. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
EDTA
noun
: a white crystalline acid C10H16N2O8 used in medicine as an anticoagulant and as a chelator in the treatment of lead poisoning
called also ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
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