Word
folate
Phoneticsfo·late
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a natural form of vitamin B9 that helps your body make new cells and healthy blood. You get it from green leafy vegetables, beans, and fruit.
n. a naturally occurring form of vitamin B9 essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and normal fetal development. Found concentrated in leafy green vegetables, legumes, and citrus fruit, in contrast to folic acid, the synthetic form used in supplements.
Examples
“Spinach contains a lot of natural folate.”
“Doctors tell pregnant women to get enough folate because it helps the baby's brain and spine develop.”
“While folic acid supplements prevent deficiency, researchers note that folate from leafy greens and lentils comes with fibre and other nutrients that pills lack.”
Examples
simple
“Spinach contains a lot of natural folate.”
contextual
“Doctors tell pregnant women to get enough folate because it helps the baby's brain and spine develop.”
complex
“While folic acid supplements prevent deficiency, researchers note that folate from leafy greens and lentils comes with fibre and other nutrients that pills lack.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “folate” in context.
Verb
01. absorb folate
“Certain medications make it harder for the body to absorb folate properly.”
verb + noun
02. consume folate
“Pregnant women should consume folate daily to protect the baby's development.”
verb + noun
03. contain folate
“Asparagus, broccoli and avocados all contain folate naturally.”
verb + noun
04. folate helps
“Folate helps your body produce healthy red blood cells and DNA.”
noun + verb
05. folate prevents
“Folate prevents certain birth defects when taken before and during pregnancy.”
noun + verb
06. folate supports
“Folate supports cell growth and is vital for rapid tissue development.”
noun + verb
Adjective
07. adequate folate
“Doctors stress adequate folate during pregnancy to support healthy development.”
adj + noun
08. dietary folate
“Most people get enough dietary folate from leafy greens, beans and citrus fruit.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. folate deficiency
“Folate deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of neural tube defects.”
noun + noun
10. folate intake
“Nutritionists recommend monitoring folate intake in early pregnancy.”
noun + noun
11. get enough folate
“You can get enough folate by eating spinach, beans and fortified cereals daily.”
12. good source of folate
“Black-eyed peas are a cheap, good source of folate for vegetarians.”
Real-World Examples
“Folate helps to make healthy red blood cells.” Etymology
From folic acid + -ate (“salt or ester”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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