Dilution: meaning, definitions and examples
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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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "dilution" in other languages:
🇵🇹 diluição
🇮🇳 पानी में घुलना
🇩🇪 Verdünnung
🇮🇩 pengenceran
🇺🇦 розведення
🇵🇱 rozcieńczenie
🇯🇵 希釈
🇫🇷 dilution
🇪🇸 dilución
🇹🇷 seyreltme
🇰🇷 희석
🇸🇦 تخفيف
🇨🇿 ředění
🇸🇰 zriedenie
🇨🇳 稀释
🇸🇮 redčenje
🇮🇸 þynning
🇰🇿 сұйылту
🇬🇪 გახსნა
🇦🇿 sulandırma
🇲🇽 dilución