insoluble

[in-sol-yuh-buhl]

adjective

1. incapable of being dissolved.

   insoluble salts.

2. incapable of being solved or explained.

   an insoluble problem.

insoluble

/ ɪnˈsɒljʊbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being dissolved; incapable of forming a solution, esp in water

2. incapable of being solved

insoluble

1. Not capable of being fully dissolved. Fats and oils are insoluble in water.

Other Word Forms

• insolubility noun
• insolubleness noun
• insolubly adverb
• semi-insoluble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of insoluble¹

1350–1400; < Latin insolūbilis; replacing Middle English insolible < Middle French insoluble < L. See in- ³, soluble

Example Sentences

It’s the counterpoint to Syd’s earliest argument for sticking with this insoluble endeavor: “Why can’t we put everything that we have into everything that we can?”

From Salon

But if a problem is insoluble, it’s not a problem anymore; it’s just the way things are.

From Salon

In mice, the ketone ester treatment resulted in clearance rather than pathological aggregation of insoluble proteins.

From Science Daily

Unfortunately, this feeling is often associated with insoluble dietary fibers.

From Science Daily

To date, approaches to treatments for Alzheimer's disease have not addressed the contribution of protein insolubility as a general phenomenon, instead focusing on one or two insoluble proteins.

From Science Daily