EDTA

noun

ˌē-(ˌ)dē-(ˌ)tē-ˈā 

: 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

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Word History

Etymology

ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

EDTA

noun

ˌē-ˌdē-ˌtē-ˈā 

: 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