Pronunciation: [lˈɛvɪɡˌe͡ɪtɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "Levigating" is spelled with the letter "g" which is pronounced in a similar way to the letter "j". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is represented as lɪvɪɡeɪtɪŋ. The "g" in the word is pronounced like the "j" in "jump", which can sometimes cause confusion when spelling the word. Levigating means to make a substance smooth or to reduce its coarseness, and is often used in chemistry or pharmacy contexts.
Levigating is a term primarily used in the field of pharmacy and medicine. It refers to the process of reducing the particle size of a substance by grinding or trituration to form a fine powder or paste. This technique is commonly employed when working with insoluble substances that need to be dispersed or mixed with a liquid medium to form a homogeneous mixture. By levigating a substance, it allows for better dispersion and assimilation of the material, thus enhancing its solubility and overall effectiveness.
Levigating typically involves using a mortar and pestle or a similar grinding apparatus to break down the particles into smaller sizes. The process requires careful and controlled grinding to achieve the desired particle size. Levigating agents such as glycerin, alcohol, or other suitable liquids are often added during the process to aid in the dispersion and achieve the desired consistency of the resultant substance.
This technique finds its application in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is used to prepare medications, lotions, ointments, or other topicals that require fine particles for better absorption and effectiveness. Levigating is also utilized in compounding pharmacies, where custom formulations are prepared for individual patients according to their specific needs.
In summary, levigating is the process of reducing the particle size of a substance through grinding or trituration, often with the addition of liquids, to obtain a fine powder or paste. This technique is crucial for enhancing solubility and achieving homogeneity in pharmaceutical preparations, lotions, and ointments.
The word "levigating" is derived from the Latin verb "levigare", which means "to make smooth" or "to grind". It is formed by combining the prefix "le-" (meaning "away") and the word "vigare" (meaning "to make flexible or to bend"). Over time, "levigare" evolved into "levigatus" in Latin, which translates to "smoothed" or "polished". From Latin, the term was adopted into English, where it took on the specific meaning of grinding or reducing to a fine powder using friction.
