1. introducing a carboxyl group (-COOH) into a molecule or compound
Usage: chemistry; present participle of carboxylate

Examples

• The chemist is carboxylating the organic compound to increase its acidity.
• Carboxylating the polymer improved its water solubility.
• The enzyme works by carboxylating specific amino acid residues.
• Industrial processes often involve carboxylating hydrocarbons to produce useful chemicals.
• Researchers are carboxylating the surface of nanoparticles for better biocompatibility.