supernatant

noun

su·​per·​na·​tant ˌsü-pər-ˈnā-tᵊnt How to pronounce supernatant (audio)
: the usually clear liquid overlying material deposited by settling, precipitation, or centrifugation
supernatant adjective

Word History

Etymology

Latin supernatant-, supernatans, present participle of supernatare to float, from super- + natare to swim — more at natant

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of supernatant was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near supernatant

supernal

supernatant

supernation

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Supernatant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supernatant. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

supernatant

noun
su·​per·​na·​tant ˌsü-pər-ˈnāt-ᵊnt How to pronounce supernatant (audio)
: the usually clear liquid overlying material deposited by settling, precipitation, or centrifugation
supernatant adjective
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