supersaturate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific (primary), Figurative/Literary (secondary)
Quick answer
What does “supersaturate” mean?
to cause a solution to contain more dissolved substance than would normally be possible under given conditions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to cause a solution to contain more dissolved substance than would normally be possible under given conditions
to fill or load something beyond the point of natural capacity or saturation; to overwhelm with an excessive amount
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. British English may be slightly more likely to use the hyphenated form 'super-saturate' in historical or less technical contexts.
Connotations
Similar technical precision in both. Figurative use ('supersaturated with information') is equally understood.
Frequency
Rare in general discourse, common in chemistry, meteorology, and materials science. Frequency is comparable between dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “supersaturate” in a Sentence
supersaturate something (with something)be/become supersaturatedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supersaturate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We can supersaturate the saline solution by carefully controlling the temperature.
- The broadcaster's schedule was supersaturated with repeats.
American English
- You can supersaturate the sugar water by heating it and then cooling it slowly.
- The media market is supersaturated with partisan news channels.
adverb
British English
- The compound was supersaturatedly present in the mixture, awaiting a nucleation point.
American English
- The air held moisture supersaturatedly, threatening a downpour.
adjective
British English
- The resulting supersaturated solution was highly unstable.
- He complained of a supersaturated curriculum lacking focus.
American English
- A supersaturated atmosphere leads to rapid condensation.
- They entered a supersaturated job market with few prospects.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might be used figuratively: 'The market is supersaturated with similar products.'
Academic
Common in chemistry, physics, and earth sciences to describe solutions, vapors, or conditions beyond equilibrium.
Everyday
Very rare; a highly specialized term.
Technical
Primary context. Precisely describes a metastable state where a solution holds more solute than its solubility allows.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supersaturate”
- Using 'supersaturated' to mean merely 'very full' without the scientific nuance of exceeding a solubility limit.
- Confusing 'supersaturate' with 'concentrate' (which increases proportion, not necessarily exceeds equilibrium).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Saturate' means to fill to capacity. 'Supersaturate' means to fill beyond the normal capacity or equilibrium point, creating a metastable, often unstable, condition.
Yes, but it's a marked usage. Figuratively, it means to overload or overwhelm with an excessive amount of something (e.g., 'supersaturated with data'), and often carries a negative connotation.
It is metastable. It exists in an unbalanced state and can rapidly revert to a saturated state if disturbed (e.g., by adding a seed crystal or agitating it).
Supersaturation.
to cause a solution to contain more dissolved substance than would normally be possible under given conditions.
Supersaturate is usually technical/scientific (primary), figurative/literary (secondary) in register.
Supersaturate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpəˈsætʃəreɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpərˈsætʃəreɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A supersaturated solution is unstable by nature.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SUPER full sponge (SATURATED) that can't possibly hold more water, but somehow does.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAPACITY IS A CONTAINER (exceeding the container's normal limits)
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, what does it mean to supersaturate a discussion?