Diluent: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Latin 'diluere', meaning 'to wash away' or 'to dissolve'.
• In the late 19th century, the term started being used in chemistry to describe a process involving solvents.

Science

• In laboratories, diluents are often liquids like water or alcohol that help reduce the concentration of a solution.
• Diluents can also be used in the production of pharmaceuticals to ensure accurate dosing.
• In some industrial processes, diluents help manage the viscosity of materials like paints and inks.

Health

• In medicine, diluents are crucial for safely administering vaccines and injections.
• They can help in reconstituting powdered medications, making them ready for use.
• Correct dilution is vital to ensure dosage safety and efficacy, preventing adverse reactions.

Food & Beverage

• Common kitchen ingredients like water or broth act as diluents in cooking, making flavors less intense.
• In the beverage industry, diluents are used to create different flavors and textures, such as in sodas or cocktails.

Environmental Science

• In pollution control, water serves as a diluent to spread out harmful chemicals, reducing concentration in the environment.
• Diluents play a role in oil spill clean-ups, where they help break down oil before it can do significant harm to ecosystems.

Positioned at #22,061, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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