SUPERNATANT Meaning and
Definition
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Supernatant is a term used in various scientific fields, particularly in chemistry and biology, to describe a liquid or solution that is present above a solid residue or sediment after a process of separation or centrifugation. The word "supernatant" is derived from Latin roots, with "super" meaning "above" or "over," and "natant" referring to something that is floating or swimming.
When a mixture containing solids or particles is subjected to a separation process, such as centrifugation or sedimentation, the material settles at the bottom while the liquid portion remains on top. This top layer of liquid is referred to as the supernatant. It is typically clear and free of any visible suspended solids.
In scientific experiments or laboratory procedures, the supernatant is often the desired portion that is collected and further analyzed or processed, while the sediment or residue is discarded or subjected to additional treatments. Supernatant is commonly used in various applications, such as extracting soluble components from mixtures, separating cell cultures, purifying proteins, or isolating specific compounds.
Overall, supernatant describes the liquid phase that lies above a solid material, resulting from a separation process. It plays a crucial role in scientific research and experimentation, allowing scientists to isolate and study the liquid phase independently from the solid phase.
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Floating or swimming on the surface.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SUPERNATANT
- superfattet
- aupernatant
- zupernatant
- xupernatant
- dupernatant
- eupernatant
- wupernatant
- sypernatant
- shpernatant
- sjpernatant
- sipernatant
- s8pernatant
- s7pernatant
- suoernatant
- sulernatant
- su-ernatant
- su0ernatant
- supwrnatant
- supsrnatant
- supdrnatant
- Superpartiant
- supernanttant
Etymology of SUPERNATANT
The word "supernatant" originates from two Latin roots: "super" meaning "above" or "over", and "natans" meaning "floating". It is derived from the verb "natare", which means "to swim" or "to float". When combined, "super" and "natans" form the adjective "supernatans", meaning "swimming above" or "floating above". Over time, this Latin term was adapted into English as "supernatant", which refers to the liquid or substance that floats or settles above a solid sediment or precipitate.
Similar spelling words for SUPERNATANT
- superannuated,
- superintend,
- superhuman,
- superannuation,
- subornation,
- supermarket,
- supernormal,
- suffering,
- supernaturally,
- superman,
- supernaw,
- supernatural,
- supernal,
- supernumerary,
- supernova,
- superannuate,
- superintendent.
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