raffinate

[raf-uh-neyt]

noun

Chemistry.

1. the part of a liquid, especially an oil, remaining after its more soluble components have been extracted by a solvent.

raffinate

/ ˈræfɪˌneɪt /

noun

1. the liquid left after a solute has been extracted by solvent extraction

raffinate

1. The portion of an original liquid that remains after other components have been dissolved by a solvent. The term is often used to refer to the oil that is not dissolved in petroleum refining operations.

Word History and Origins

Origin of raffinate¹

1925–30; < French raffin ( er ) to refine ( r ( e ) - re- + affiner to refine; affine ) + -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of raffinate¹

C20: from French raffiner to refine + _-ate ¹

Example Sentences

In addition to butadiene, the plant also produces raffinate, a refining byproduct used to make other chemicals.

Read more on New York Times

"The question is whether raffinate is toxic," says Board Spokesman Brian Vance.

Read more on Time Magazine Archive