— chelatable , adj.
/kee"layt/ , adj., n., v., chelated, chelating .
adj.
1. Chem.
a. of or noting a heterocyclic compound having a central metallic ion attached by covalent bonds to two or more nonmetallic atoms in the same molecule.
b. of or noting a compound having a cyclic structure resulting from the formation of one or more hydrogen bonds in the same molecule.
2. Zool. having a chela or chelae.
n.
3. Chem. a chelate compound.
v.i. Chem.
4. (of a heterocyclic compound) to react to form a chelate.
5. (of a compound) to form a ring by forming one or more hydrogen bonds.
v.t.
6. Chem. to combine (an organic compound) with a metallic ion to form a chelate.
[ 1820-30; CHEL(A) 1 + -ATE 1 ]