Solubilization Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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solubilization

[ˌsɒljʊbɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

chemistry

The process of dissolving a substance in a solvent to form a homogeneous solution.

Synonyms

dissolution, dissolving, liquefaction.

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Word Description / Examples
solubilization

This term is mainly used in scientific contexts, particularly in pharmacology, chemistry, and biology. It refers to the process of making a substance soluble in water or another solvent.

  • The solubilization of the drug was achieved by adding a surfactant.
  • Researchers are studying the solubilization of proteins for use in medical treatments.
dissolution

Dissolution is often used in scientific contexts, particularly chemistry, to describe the process of a solid dissolving into a liquid. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the ending or disintegration of something, such as an organization or relationship.

  • The dissolution of salt in water is a classic example in chemistry.
  • The dissolution of the company left many employees searching for new jobs.
dissolving

Dissolving is a more general and common term used in everyday language to describe the process of a solid becoming incorporated into a liquid to form a solution.

  • She watched the sugar dissolving in her tea.
  • The tablet is designed for easy dissolving in water.
liquefaction

Liquefaction is typically used in scientific and technical contexts to describe the process of making a solid or gas into a liquid. It is often used when referring to natural processes or industrial applications.

  • The liquefaction of natural gas makes it easier to transport.
  • During the earthquake, soil liquefaction caused significant damage to buildings.

Examples of usage

  • Solubilization of sugar in water is a common example.
  • Solubilization is an important step in pharmaceutical research.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

The process by which a substance is made soluble, especially by the action of a solubilizing agent.

Synonyms

dispersion, dissolution, emulsification.

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Word Description / Examples
solubilization

Used primarily in chemistry and pharmacology to describe the process of making a substance soluble in a solvent. Often used when discussing the preparation of solutions or medications.

  • The solubilization of the drug increased its bioavailability.
  • Adding surfactants facilitated the solubilization of the lipid.
dissolution

Used to describe the process in which a solid, gas, or liquid becomes incorporated into another liquid to form a solution. Common in contexts involving chemistry, environmental science, and sometimes in business to describe the closure or termination of an entity.

  • The dissolution of the sugar cube in water was rapid.
  • The dissolution of the partnership was amicably agreed upon.
emulsification

Refers to the process of mixing two immiscible liquids, often involving an emulsifier to stabilize the mixture. Commonly used in food science, cosmetics, and chemistry.

  • Emulsification of oil and vinegar is necessary to make salad dressing.
  • The cosmetic cream depends on proper emulsification to achieve its texture.
dispersion

Refers to the process of distributing particles uniformly throughout a medium. Commonly used in chemistry, material science, and even social contexts to describe the scattering of elements.

  • The dispersion of ink in water was observed under the microscope.
  • The researchers studied the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere.

Examples of usage

  • Solubilization of proteins is crucial for various biochemical assays.
  • The solubilization of lipids in the cell membrane is a complex process.
Context #3 | Verb

chemistry

To cause a substance to become soluble in a solvent.

Synonyms

dissolve, emulsify, liquefy.

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Word Description / Examples
solubilization

Used in scientific and technical settings to refer to the process of making a substance soluble (able to be dissolved) in a solvent.

  • The solubilization of the drug was essential for its effective delivery
  • Researchers are studying new methods of solubilization for these compounds
dissolve

Commonly used in everyday language to describe a solid material mixing with a liquid and becoming part of the liquid.

  • Salt dissolves easily in water
  • She took a pill that dissolves in her mouth
liquefy

Used to describe turning something into a liquid form, often through melting or other processes.

  • The heat was intense enough to liquefy the metal
  • The blender can liquefy the fruits into a smooth juice
emulsify

Typically used in cooking and chemistry to describe the process of mixing two liquids together where one is dispersed in the other in small droplets.

  • Lecithin is often used to emulsify oil and water in cooking
  • The chef demonstrated how to emulsify the dressing properly

Examples of usage

  • The surfactant solubilizes the oil in water.
  • The detergent solubilizes grease effectively.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Solubilization is crucial in pharmaceuticals, as it determines how well drugs can work in the body.
  • Surfactants, which are substances that reduce surface tension, play a key role in increasing solubilization of compounds.
  • In environmental science, solubilization helps in the treatment of pollutants by making them more accessible for degradation.

Health

  • Certain vitamins, like A, D, E, and K, must be solubilized by fats in your diet to be properly absorbed by the body.
  • In nutrition, solubilization helps make nutrients more bioavailable, meaning your body can use them better.
  • Some dietary supplements rely on solubilization to enhance their effectiveness, especially forms that are hard to dissolve in water.

Technology

  • In nanotechnology, solubilization is used to create nanoparticles that can disperse uniformly in liquids.
  • Industries often utilize solubilization techniques in the formulation of shampoos and lotions to ensure ingredients mix properly.
  • Advanced solubilization methods are being explored to enhance the delivery of herbal and natural products in cosmetic formulations.

Cultural Context

  • The term has entered colloquial discussions in culinary contexts, particularly when discussing how spices and flavors dissolve into sauces.
  • In art, solubilization can refer to how pigments disperse in mediums, affecting the appearance of colors in paintings.
  • The concept of solubilization is metaphorically used in personal contexts, like solving problems by integrating different ideas or perspectives.

Origin of 'solubilization'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'solubilization' comes from 'soluble', which has Latin roots meaning 'to loosen or dissolve'.
  • The suffix '-ization' indicates a process, so the word describes the making of something into a soluble form.
  • The term is often used in scientific contexts, especially chemistry and biology.

The term 'solubilization' originated from the word 'soluble', which comes from Latin 'solubilis', meaning 'that may be loosened or dissolved'. The concept of solubilization has been fundamental in various scientific fields, especially chemistry and biology, where the process of dissolving substances plays a crucial role in research and experiments.


See also: insoluble, solubility, solubleness.