mixing ratio: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Scientific / Technical
Quick answer
What does “mixing ratio” mean?
In meteorology, the ratio of the mass of water vapour to the mass of dry air in a given volume of air.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In meteorology, the ratio of the mass of water vapour to the mass of dry air in a given volume of air.
In various scientific and technical contexts, a quantitative measure expressing the proportion of one component to another within a mixture, particularly as a ratio of masses.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Usage is identical in both scientific communities.
Connotations
Purely technical and denotative in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low in general language, appearing almost exclusively in scientific textbooks, papers, and reports. Frequency is equal in UK and US technical registers.
Grammar
How to Use “mixing ratio” in a Sentence
The mixing ratio of X to Y is...A mixing ratio of 10 g/kgto calculate/measure/determine the mixing ratioVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Central term in meteorology and atmospheric science courses. Used in physics and chemistry when discussing gas mixtures.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term in weather forecasting, climate modelling, and chemical engineering process descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mixing ratio”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mixing ratio”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mixing ratio”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They are mixing ratio the paints').
- Using it in non-technical contexts (e.g., 'The mixing ratio of cultures in the city').
- Confusing it with 'percentage' or 'fraction by volume'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Mixing ratio is the mass of water vapour per mass of dry air. Relative humidity is the amount of water vapour present relative to the maximum possible at that temperature. They are related but different measures.
While technically descriptive, it is not the standard term in those fields. In everyday or trade contexts, terms like 'mix ratio', 'proportion', or 'ratio of A to B' are used instead.
No, that's a key feature. Unlike concentration by volume, the mass mixing ratio of a parcel of air remains constant unless water vapour is added or removed, making it a useful conserved variable in meteorology.
No. It is a highly specialised scientific term. Most English speakers will never encounter or use it unless they work in meteorology, climatology, or specific engineering disciplines.
In meteorology, the ratio of the mass of water vapour to the mass of dry air in a given volume of air.
Mixing ratio is usually scientific / technical in register.
Mixing ratio: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪksɪŋ ˈreɪʃɪəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪksɪŋ ˈreɪʃioʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cake recipe: the 'mixing ratio' of flour to sugar tells you the precise mass proportion, just like in air, it's the mass of water vapour to the mass of dry air.
Conceptual Metaphor
RECIPE FOR AIR: The atmosphere is conceived as a mixture with a specific recipe, where the mixing ratio is the key ingredient measurement.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'mixing ratio' most precisely and frequently used?