In chemistry, lactate is the final byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis. Accumulation of this compound in tissues is responsible for the condition called oxygen debt. Word origin: Latin lactātus, ptp. of lactāre to suckle. Related forms: lactation (noun) Related terms: Excess lactate; Ferrous lactate; Amrinone lactate; Lactate dehydratase; Lactate dehydrogenase