'lactate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'lactatus,' where 'lac' meant 'milk.'

'lactatus' transformed into the French word 'lactate,' and eventually became the modern English word 'lactate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'related to milk,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'a salt or ester of lactic acid' and 'to secrete milk.'