emulsification

American  

[ih-muhl-suh-fuh-kay-shuhn] / ɪˌmʌl sə fəˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. Physical Chemistry. the process of making two liquids into a colloidal suspension, in which particles of one liquid are dispersed throughout the other but not dissolved in it.

   The students conducted an experiment to produce hand cream from oil, water, and other ingredients, applying the theory of emulsification.

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Etymology

Origin of emulsification

emulsi(fy) ( def. ) + -fication ( def. )

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Explanation

Emulsification is the process of forcing two liquids that normally do not mix to combine into a stable mixture. A truly excellent vinaigrette salad dressing requires the emulsification of oil and vinegar. At the root of emulsification is the Latin word emulgere, meaning "to milk out." The word got its name because milk itself is a natural emulsion — a combination of liquid milk fat suspended in water. Milk's emulsification happens naturally, thanks to proteins that bind the liquids together. Other kinds of emulsification, like combining olive oil and lemon juice until the fat droplets are evenly dispersed throughout, require vigorous whisking.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

emulsification

Pasta al limone is an exercise in simplicity and restraint — a crash course in emulsification resulting in a bright, silky dish that makes for a perfect weeknight spring meal.

From Salon ● Apr. 14, 2025

He recommends treating miso like salt — a little goes a long way — and adding a teaspoon or two of water to the butter before mixing to aid in emulsification.

From Salon ● Sep. 10, 2022

Temperature is also an important factor in aioli-making and emulsification in general.

From Salon ● Jun. 23, 2022

Bile aids in the digestion of lipids, primarily triglycerides by emulsification.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

The two portions of the distillate are, therefore, kept separate, since the second distillate always contains a considerable amount of high-boiling product which tends to cause emulsification of the alkali in the purification.

From Organic Syntheses by James Bryant Conant

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