Definition

1. Noun:
   • A synthetic chemical compound: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is a man-made, complex organic molecule.
   • A chelating agent: Its primary function is to bind tightly to specific metal ions, forming stable, soluble complexes that can be removed from the body or a system.

Usage

• Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is used as a treatment for acute lead poisoning.
• In laboratory research, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is added to samples to prevent metal ions from interfering with reactions.
• The stability constant of the complex formed by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and calcium is very high.

Advanced Usage

• "EDTA therapy": A medical treatment involving the administration of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or its salts to remove toxic metals.
  • The patient underwent EDTA therapy for heavy metal detoxification.
• "EDTA anticoagulant": The use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid salts in blood collection tubes to prevent clotting by binding calcium ions.
  • Blood samples for complete blood counts are typically drawn into tubes containing EDTA anticoagulant.

Variants and Related Words

• EDTA (n): The universal abbreviation for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.
  • EDTA is a common additive in many processed foods and cosmetics.
• Chelator (n): A general term for any agent, like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, that binds metal ions.
  • The doctor prescribed a chelator to treat the iron overload.

Synonyms

• Chelating agent: A substance that forms multiple bonds with a single metal ion.
• Sequestering agent: A substance that removes metal ions from solution.

Related Phrases

• "EDTA disodium salt": A common salt form of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid used in medicine and industry.
  • The solution was buffered with EDTA disodium salt.
• "Metal-EDTA complex": The compound formed when ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid binds to a metal ion.
  • The formation of the lead-EDTA complex renders the metal nontoxic and excretable.

Noun

1. a complex molecule used medically to chelate metal ions in cases of lead or heavy metal poisoning