Dilution Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dilution
[dɪˈluːʃən ]
Definitions
chemical process
Dilution refers to the process of reducing the concentration of a substance in a solution, typically by adding more solvent. It is commonly used in chemistry to create solutions with desired concentrations for experiments or reactions.
Synonyms
diluting, watering down, weakening.
Examples of usage
- The dilution of hydrochloric acid with water is necessary for safe handling.
- In pharmaceuticals, dilution is critical for achieving effective dosages.
- Understanding dilution helps in preparing accurate lab solutions.
financial context
In finance, dilution describes the reduction in ownership percentage of a share of stock as a result of the issuance of new shares. This can occur during fundraising rounds where a company issues more equity to raise capital.
Synonyms
decrease, devaluation, reduction.
Examples of usage
- Investors fear dilution when a company decides to issue more shares.
- Stock dilution can affect existing shareholders' voting power.
- The merger resulted in significant dilution for current stakeholders.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Chemistry
- Dilution is common in chemistry, where a small amount of a substance is mixed into a larger volume of liquid to achieve the desired concentration.
- The formula for calculating dilution involves the concepts of volume and concentration: C1V1 = C2V2, where C is concentration and V is volume.
- In experiments, scientists often dilute substances to ensure reactions occur at safe, manageable levels.
Environmental Science
- Watering down pollutants in a river can reduce their toxicity, but proper management is essential to maintain ecosystem health.
- In marine biology, dilution plays a crucial role in assessing the spread of nutrients in water bodies, impacting fish populations and plant growth.
- Efforts in wastewater treatment often involve dilution to mitigate harmful substances before release into water systems.
Food & Beverage
- Many cocktails are made by dilution; the mixer (like soda or tonic) is added to hard liquor to create a drink that's easier to consume.
- In culinary practices, chefs dilute sauces with broth or cream to adjust flavor intensity and improve texture.
- The term 'dilution' can also refer to modifying the strength of flavors, like adding milk to coffee to soften its taste.
Economics
- In finance, dilution refers to the reduction of existing shareholders' ownership percentages due to new shares being issued.
- Company mergers can result in dilution of shares, affecting stock value and investor perspectives.
- Startups often seek funding, leading to dilution that can impact decision-making and share control.
Psychology
- Dilution can apply to ideas; when too many opinions are mixed, the original idea may weaken, a phenomenon known as groupthink.
- In social psychology, the dilution effect describes how the presence of irrelevant information can undermine the clarity of judgment.
- Understanding how information dilution occurs helps in better decision-making processes in groups and organizations.
Origin of 'dilution'
The term 'dilution' originates from the Latin word 'diluere', which means 'to wash away'. The concept of dilution can be traced back to ancient practices in chemistry where solutions were prepared by mixing solutions of different concentrations. Over time, the term entered the English language in the 18th century, particularly as scientific understanding of solutions and concentrations developed. Dilution has since found its applications not only in chemistry but also in numerous fields, including pharmacology and finance, reflecting its versatility as a concept.