Mixture Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mixture

[หˆmษชkstสƒษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in chemistry

A substance made by mixing other substances together.

Synonyms

blend, combination, compound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mixture

Used when referring to a variety of substances mixed together but not chemically combined.

  • The cake requires a mixture of flour, sugar, and eggs.
  • The air we breathe is a mixture of different gases.
blend

Often used to describe substances that are smoothly mixed together to form a homogeneous product, frequently found in context with drinks, perfumes, or paints.

  • This whiskey is a blend of several different types.
  • The artist created a beautiful painting by using a blend of colors.
combination

Refers to the result of combining two or more items or ideas, with a focus on how they work together or complement each other.

  • Her outfit was a combination of floral patterns and bright colors.
  • The companyโ€™s success is a combination of innovative products and excellent customer service.
compound

Used to describe substances that are chemically combined to form a distinct and separate entity, often used in scientific contexts.

  • Water is a compound made from hydrogen and oxygen.
  • The scientist studied the properties of the new chemical compound.

Examples of usage

  • A mixture of sand and water.
  • The cake batter is a mixture of flour, sugar, and eggs.
Context #2 | Noun

in general

A combination of different things or people.

Synonyms

assortment, diversity, variety.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mixture

This word often describes a physical combination of substances, which can still be identified separately.

  • She created a cleaning mixture with vinegar and baking soda
  • The mixture of facts and opinions made the article confusing
variety

Variety refers to the existence of different types within a group or set. Unlike 'assortment,' which often implies choice, 'variety' highlights the range of differences itself.

  • The zoo has a variety of animals
  • There is a wide variety of opinions on this issue
diversity

Use 'diversity' when talking about a range of different elements, especially in terms of biological, ethnic, or cultural variety. This term often emphasizes the value of having different elements.

  • The university promotes cultural diversity
  • The forest is known for its biodiversity
assortment

This word is often used when referring to a collection of different types of things, particularly when they are chosen from a larger group or selection.

  • The store offers an assortment of cheeses
  • He bought an assortment of candies for the party

Examples of usage

  • The party was a mixture of young and old guests.
  • The town has a mixture of cultures.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In chemistry, a mixture can be a combination of solids, liquids, or gases, such as air or salad.
  • Mixtures can be homogeneous (like saltwater) where you can't see the individual parts, or heterogeneous (like a fruit salad), where you can see them.
  • In cooking, mixtures are essential, like when making cake batter that combines flour, eggs, and sugar.

Culinary Arts

  • Many well-known dishes are mixtures, such as stir-fries where different vegetables and proteins are combined.
  • Cocktails are also mixtures, made by combining different beverages and flavors to create a unique drink.
  • Baking powder is a mixture of baking soda and an acid that helps baked goods rise.

Art

  • Many artists create mixtures with paint by blending colors to achieve different shades and effects.
  • Collage is an art technique that involves mixing different materials โ€“ like paper, fabric, and photos โ€“ to create a new artwork.
  • In sculpture, artists might mix clay with other materials to enhance texture and strength.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Music genres often evolve through mixtures, blending styles like jazz, blues, and rock to create new sounds.
  • Cuisine around the world showcases mixtures, such as fusion foods which combine ingredients and techniques from different cultures.
  • Languages too can be seen as mixtures, such as Creole languages that blend elements from colonial languages and indigenous tongues.

Origin of 'mixture'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'mixtura', meaning a blending or combining.
  • In Old French, 'mixture' referred to something mixed up, often in cooking.
  • It has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe various combinations.

The word 'mixture' originated from the Latin word 'mixtura', which means a mixing or blending of different elements. The concept of mixing different substances or elements has been fundamental in various fields such as chemistry, cooking, and culture. The idea of combining different ingredients to create something new has been a part of human history for centuries.


See also: mix, mixable, mixed, mixer, mixing, mixtape, remix, unmixed.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,968, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.