UNSATURATED Meaning and
Definition
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Unsaturated is an adjective that describes a substance or compound which has not reached its full capacity in terms of either chemical bonds or hydrogen bonds. In other words, it refers to a chemical structure or molecule that still has unoccupied sites available for further bonding.
In chemistry, unsaturated compounds are those that contain carbon-carbon double or triple bonds or other functional groups. These bonds create regions of unsaturation where additional atoms or groups can attach, leading to further chemical reactions. Unsaturated compounds are typically more reactive than their saturated counterparts, as they strive to achieve stability by completing their outer electron shells.
In the context of nutrition, unsaturated fats or oils are those that are primarily composed of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids, which contain one or more double bonds between carbon atoms. These fats are liquid at room temperature and are generally considered healthier alternatives to saturated fats, as they can promote heart health and lower cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation.
Alternatively, in the field of physical chemistry, unsaturated solutions refer to those in which the solvent is not holding the maximum amount of solute it can potentially dissolve at a given temperature and pressure. These solutions can still accommodate additional solute particles, demonstrating a disparity between the actual concentration and the maximum possible concentration.
Overall, in various scientific contexts, the term "unsaturated" conveys the idea of incompleteness or potential for further bonding, whether it refers to chemical compounds, fats, or solutions.
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Not saturated; noting a solution in which the menstruum is capable of dissolving more of the solid; noting also a chemical compound in which all the affinities are not satisfied, so that still other atoms or radicals may be added to it.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Not supplied to the full.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of UNSATURATED
The word "unsaturated" is derived from the Latin roots "un-" meaning "not" or "non-" and "saturatus" meaning "saturated" or "filled". The Latin term "saturare" means "to fill" or "to saturate". Therefore, "unsaturated" essentially means "not filled" or "not saturated". In the context of chemistry, it refers to a compound that has the ability to form additional chemical bonds.
Similar spelling words for UNSATURATED
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