coacervate

[ noun koh-as-er-vit, -veyt, koh-uh-sur-vit; verb koh-as-er-veyt, koh-uh-sur-veyt ]

noun

1. Physical Chemistry. a reversible aggregation of liquid particles in an emulsion.

verb (used with or without object)

, co·ac·er·vat·ed, co·ac·er·vat·ing.

1. to make or become a coacervate.

coacervate

/ -ˌveɪt; kəʊˈæsəvɪt /

noun

1. either of two liquid phases that may separate from a hydrophilic sol, each containing a different concentration of a dispersed solid

Derived Forms

• coˌacerˈvation, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of coacervate¹

1620–30; < Latin coacervātus (past participle of coacervāre to heap up), equivalent to co- co- + acerv ( us ) heap, multitude + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of coacervate¹

C17: from Latin coacervāre to heap up, from acervus a heap