Emulsion: meaning, definitions and examples

🔬

Add to dictionary

emulsion

[ɪˈmʌlʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

photography

A fine dispersion of minute droplets of one liquid in another in which it is not soluble or miscible.

Synonyms

blend, mixture, suspension.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
emulsion	A liquid mixture where one liquid is dispersed in another but not fully combined, often used in scientific or culinary contexts. Salad dressings are often an emulsion of oil and vinegar. The chemist prepared an emulsion of drug particles for the experiment.
mixture	General term for any combination of different substances where the separate parts are still distinguishable, used in everyday language as well as in scientific contexts. The art student created a mixture of colors to achieve the desired shade. The laboratory tested the mixture of chemicals for reactions.
blend	A combination of two or more substances, usually referring to a smooth and thorough combination, often used in the context of cooking, perfumes, and other areas where the goal is harmony between components. The chef created a perfect blend of spices for the curry. This tea is a blend of various herbs and flowers.
suspension	A mixture in which small particles are dispersed throughout a liquid or gas but are not dissolved, often used in medical or scientific fields. The doctor prescribed a suspension of medicine for the patient's cough. The scientist examined the suspension under a microscope.

Examples of usage

The emulsion is used in photography to capture images on film.
In photography, emulsion is a crucial component for developing photos.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

cosmetics

A mixture of two or more liquids that are normally immiscible.

Synonyms

cream, lotion, serum.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
emulsion	Emulsion is typically used in chemistry and the cosmetic industry to describe a fine mixture of two liquids that usually do not mix well, such as oil and water. The chemist prepared an emulsion of water and oil for the experiment. Many skincare products contain emulsions to keep ingredients stable and effective.
cream	Cream is often used in the context of skincare and culinary arts. It describes a thick, rich substance used for moisturizing skin or as a dairy product for cooking. She applied a moisturizing cream to her dry skin. The recipe calls for a cup of heavy cream to make the sauce richer.
lotion	Lotion is a more fluid and lightweight skincare product compared to cream, usually used for moisturizing and hydrating the skin. After taking a shower, he applied body lotion to keep his skin soft. The doctor recommended using a gentle lotion for her sensitive skin.
serum	Serum is a concentrated skincare product, often water-based, used to deliver targeted treatments deeper into the skin. She uses a vitamin C serum every morning to brighten her complexion. The anti-aging serum promises to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Examples of usage

The emulsion in this face cream helps to moisturize the skin.
She applied an emulsion of oil and water to her hair for extra shine.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

cooking

A mixture of two liquids that usually do not mix well together, such as oil and vinegar.

Synonyms

dressing, sauce, vinaigrette.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
emulsion	Emulsions are mixtures of two liquids that don't normally mix, often created in scientific and industrial settings. They can also refer to culinary applications where two liquids, such as oil and water, are combined with the help of an emulsifier. The lab created an emulsion of oil and water for the experiment. Mayonnaise is a common emulsion made from oil and egg yolk.
dressing	Dressing is used primarily in culinary contexts, particularly for salads. It refers to a liquid mixture that enhances the flavor of the salad, often made from oil, vinegar, and various seasonings. She added a light vinaigrette dressing to the salad. The Caesar dressing brought out the flavors of the vegetables beautifully.
sauce	Sauces are used in cooking to add moisture, flavor, and visual appeal to dishes. They can be made from a variety of ingredients and can range from thick to thin in consistency. The pasta was topped with a rich tomato sauce. He made a delicate butter sauce for the fish.
vinaigrette	Vinaigrette is a type of salad dressing made from oil and vinegar, often flavored with herbs, spices, and other ingredients. It is typically lighter and more acidic compared to other dressings. The tangy vinaigrette complemented the fresh greens nicely. She whisked together a simple vinaigrette of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Examples of usage

This salad dressing is made with an emulsion of oil and vinegar.
Mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil, egg yolk, and vinegar.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'emulsion' comes from the Latin 'emulsio,' meaning 'to milk out,' referencing the way that milk is an emulsion of fat and water.
It entered English in the 17th century, originally used mostly in the context of making paints and cosmetics.

Science

Emulsions are key in food science; mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil, egg yolk, and vinegar.
They play an important role in pharmaceuticals, allowing for better absorption of medications in the body.
In chemistry, emulsions can be classified as either oil-in-water or water-in-oil, each type having different properties and uses.

Art

In painting, emulsions are vital for creating tempera, where pigment is mixed with a water-soluble binder like egg yolk.
Emulsified paints can provide unique textures and finishes that enhance artwork.

Technology

Emulsions are used in the production of cosmetics, like lotions and creams, to create a stable mixture that feels smooth on the skin.
In the oil industry, emulsions can impact the transport of oil and how it interacts with water, influencing extraction techniques.

Food and Cooking

Dressings and sauces often rely on emulsification to blend ingredients for a creamy texture, such as vinaigrettes or ranch dressing.
Understanding emulsions can enhance culinary skills, leading to better homemade sauces and desserts.

Translations

Translations of the word "emulsion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 emulsão

🇮🇳 इमल्शन

🇩🇪 Emulsion

🇮🇩 emulsi

🇺🇦 емульсія

🇵🇱 emulsja

🇯🇵 エマルジョン

🇫🇷 émulsion

🇪🇸 emulsión

🇹🇷 emülsiyon

🇰🇷 유제

🇸🇦 مستحلب

🇨🇿 emulze

🇸🇰 emulzia

🇨🇳 乳剂

🇸🇮 emulzija

🇮🇸 fleyti

🇰🇿 эмульсия

🇬🇪 ემულსია

🇦🇿 emulsiya

🇲🇽 emulsión

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,015, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10012 thoracic
10013 shrinkage
10014 bacon
10015 emulsion
10016 branching
10017 warmly
10018 federation
...