compound of metal and nonmetal: a chemical compound in which metallic and nonmetallic, usually organic, atoms are combined. These compounds are characterized by a ring structure in which a metal ion is attached to two nonmetal ions by covalent bonds.
verb (past and past participleche·lat·ed, present participleche·lat·ing, 3rd person present singularche·lates)
Definition:
1. transitive and intransitive verb combine to form chelate: to combine, or combine something, with a metal to form a chelate
2. transitive verb medicine treat somebody with chelating agent: to treat somebody with a chelating agent in order to remove a heavy metal such as lead from the bloodstream
