/sul"feuh nayt'/ , n. , v. , sulfonated, sulfonating . Chem.
n.
1. an ester or salt derived from a sulfonic acid.
v.t.
2. to make into a sulfonic acid, as by treating an aromatic hydrocarbon with concentrated sulfuric acid.
3. to introduce the sulfonic group into (an organic compound).
[ 1875-80; SULFON(IC ACID) + -ATE 1 or -ATE 2 ]