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Insoluble: meaning, definitions and examples

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insoluble

 

[ɪnˈsɒljʊb(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

chemistry

Not able to be dissolved in a particular solvent.

Synonyms

indissoluble, undissolvable, unmeltable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
insoluble

Use same context and examples as the first instance of 'insoluble'.
undissolvable

Describing a substance that cannot be dissolved, often used in a scientific or technical context.

  • This material is undissolvable in most chemicals.
  • Despite many tests, the compound remained undissolvable.
indissoluble

When describing something that cannot be broken, dissolved, or separated, often used in a formal or philosophical context to describe relationships, contracts, or bonds.

  • The marriage vow is considered indissoluble in many cultures.
  • Their friendship formed an indissoluble bond.
unmeltable

When something cannot be melted, usually in reference to materials or substances that retain their form under high temperatures.

  • The metal alloy proved to be unmeltable in standard furnaces.
  • These rocks are practically unmeltable with the equipment we have.

Examples of usage

  • This substance is insoluble in water.
  • The insoluble residue was filtered off.
Context #2 | Adjective

problem

Unable to be solved or explained.

Synonyms

irresolvable, unresolvable, unsolvable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
insoluble

Primarily used in scientific contexts to describe a substance that cannot be dissolved in a solvent, usually water.

  • Salt is soluble in water, but oil is insoluble.
unresolvable

Very similar to 'irresolvable'; often used interchangeably to describe situations or problems that cannot be solved.

  • Their disagreements were unresolvable, causing a permanent rift between them.
unsolvable

Used to describe a problem or puzzle that cannot be solved. Often used informally and in a wide range of contexts.

  • This math problem seems unsolvable without a calculator.
irresolvable

Used to describe a problem, conflict, or situation that cannot be solved or settled.

  • The differences between the two parties were irresolvable, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.

Examples of usage

  • The mystery remained insoluble for years.
  • The conflict seemed insoluble at the time.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from the Latin word 'insolubilis', meaning 'not able to be dissolved'.
  • The prefix 'in-' indicates negation, contrasting with 'soluble', which means 'able to dissolve'.

Science

  • Many oils and fats are considered insoluble in water because they do not mix.
  • Insoluble substances can form a suspension, where particles remain dispersed in a liquid without dissolving.
  • Certain minerals, like quartz, are naturally insoluble in water, impacting geological formations.

Literature

  • Insoluble riddles and puzzles often serve as metaphors in literature for complex problems with no clear solutions.
  • Classical literature sometimes uses the concept of insoluble issues to highlight characters’ struggles against fate.

Everyday Life

  • While cooking, you may encounter insoluble ingredients like certain spices that don't fully dissolve in liquids.
  • Insoluble fiber is important in a diet, helping with digestion despite not breaking down in the stomach.

History

  • Historical chemists faced many insoluble compounds, leading to discoveries in separation techniques.
  • The quest to dissolve certain stubborn materials has advanced material science and contributed to various technological innovations.

Translations

Translations of the word "insoluble" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insolúvel

🇮🇳 अविलेय

🇩🇪 unlöslich

🇮🇩 tidak larut

🇺🇦 нерозчинний

🇵🇱 nierozpuszczalny

🇯🇵 不溶性

🇫🇷 insoluble

🇪🇸 insoluble

🇹🇷 çözülemez

🇰🇷 불용성의

🇸🇦 غير قابل للذوبان

🇨🇿 nerozpustný

🇸🇰 nerozpustný

🇨🇳 不溶性

🇸🇮 netopen

🇮🇸 óleysanlegur

🇰🇿 ерімейтін

🇬🇪 უხსნელი

🇦🇿 həlledilməz

🇲🇽 insoluble

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,900 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.