saturated

American  

[sach-uh-rey-tid] / ˈsætʃ əˌreɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. soaked, impregnated, or imbued thoroughly; charged thoroughly or completely; brought to a state of saturation.

2. (of colors) of maximum chroma or purity; of the highest intensity of hue; free from admixture of white.

3. Chemistry.

   1. (of a solution) containing the maximum amount of solute capable of being dissolved under given conditions.

   2. (of an organic compound) containing no double or triple bonds; having each single bond attached to an atom or group.

   3. (of an inorganic compound) having no free valence electrons.

---

saturated British  

/ ˈsætʃəˌreɪtɪd /

adjective

1. (of a solution or solvent) containing the maximum amount of solute that can normally be dissolved at a given temperature and pressure See also supersaturated

2. (of a colour) having a large degree of saturation

3. 1. containing no multiple bonds and thus being incapable of undergoing additional reactions

      a saturated hydrocarbon

   2. containing no unpaired valence electrons

4. (of a fat, esp an animal fat) containing a high proportion of fatty acids having single bonds See also polyunsaturated unsaturated

5. (of a vapour) containing the equilibrium amount of gaseous material at a given temperature and pressure See also supersaturated

6. (of a magnetic material) fully magnetized

7. extremely wet; soaked

---

saturated Scientific  

/ săch′ə-rā′tĭd /

1. Relating to an organic compound in which all the carbon atoms are joined by single bonds and therefore cannot be combined with any additional atoms or radicals. Propane and cyclopentane are examples of saturated hydrocarbons.

2. Compare unsaturated

3. Relating to a solution that is unable to dissolve more of a solute.

4. Containing as much water vapor as is possible at a given temperature. Air that is saturated has a relative humidity of 100 percent.

---

Other Word Forms

• nonsaturated adjective
• subsaturated adjective

Etymology

Origin of saturated

First recorded in 1660–70; saturate + -ed ²

Example Sentences

With the ground very saturated, there may be additional warnings to cover the heavy rain and risk of flooding so stay tuned to the forecast.

From BBC

Heavy deluges and saturated soils have the potential to cause significant damage to homes, transport infrastructure and food supply.

From BBC

As of 05:00 GMT on Tuesday, the Environment Agency had issued 98 flood warnings and 170 flood alerts in England, external, with saturated ground and already-swollen rivers making flooding more likely.

From BBC

It limits foods like dairy products, meat, and items high in saturated fatty acids.

From Science Daily

One result: Young college grads enter a labor market that is saturated with heavily credentialed workers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• soaked
• soggy
• waterlogged