The word "saturate" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end, which is important for indicating the pronunciation of the "a" in the second syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription for "saturate" is /ˈsætjʊreɪt/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "a" (/sæt/), followed by a voiced "j" (/dʒ/) and a long "u" (/jʊ/). The second syllable is pronounced with a long "a" (/reɪt/). Remembering to add the silent "e" at the end can help with correctly pronouncing this word.
Saturate (verb):
To saturate means to fill or soak something thoroughly or completely with a liquid or substance. It refers to the process of absorbing or dissolving a substance to the maximum extent possible. When a material is saturated, it has reached its maximum capacity, and any additional application or absorption will result in overflow or excess.
In a literal sense, saturate implies the complete immersion of an object or surface in a liquid, causing it to become thoroughly soaked. This can be seen, for example, when a sponge is saturated with water, where it absorbs and holds as much water as it can until it begins to release drops. Similarly, a piece of fabric becomes saturated when it has absorbed as much liquid as possible to the point of becoming heavy and dripping.
Figuratively, the term is also used to describe the mental or emotional state of being completely overwhelmed or overloaded. In this context, when someone is saturated with information, they are bombarded or inundated with a surplus of facts, data, or stimuli, causing an overwhelming feeling or inability to process further input.
Overall, to saturate involves the complete permeation or immersion of a material or individual with a liquid or substance, resulting in its complete absorption or overwhelming state.
1. To impregnate to the greatest possible extent. 2. To neutralize, to satisfy all the chemical affinities of a substance.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
To supply or add to fulness; to impregnate with till no more can be received.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "saturate" comes from the Latin word "saturare", which means "to fill full" or "to saturate". It is derived from the adjective "satur", which means "full" or "sated". The Latin word "satura" referred to a mixture of various ingredients, such as a kind of dish or a medley, and it eventually evolved into the verb "saturare", which specifically meant to soak or saturate something with a liquid. This Latin root eventually made its way into English as "saturate", retaining the idea of completely filling or soaking something.