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Unsaturated: meaning, definitions and examples

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unsaturated

 

[ ʌnˈsætʃʊreɪtɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

chemistry context

The term 'unsaturated' generally refers to a compound that contains one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms. In organic chemistry, unsaturated hydrocarbons have fewer hydrogen atoms than saturated hydrocarbons, which only contain single bonds. This property often results in greater reactivity in unsaturated compounds. Unsaturated fats, for example, are typically liquid at room temperature and are considered healthier than saturated fats.

Synonyms

incomplete, non-saturated, reactive

Examples of usage

  • Olive oil is rich in unsaturated fats.
  • The unsaturated solution reacted quickly with the reagent.
  • Unsaturated compounds tend to undergo addition reactions.
  • In chemistry, unsaturated indicates multiple bonding.

Translations

Translations of the word "unsaturated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insaturado

🇮🇳 असंतृप्त

🇩🇪 ungesättigt

🇮🇩 tak jenuh

🇺🇦 незасичений

🇵🇱 nienasycony

🇯🇵 不飽和の (ふほうわの)

🇫🇷 insaturé

🇪🇸 insaturado

🇹🇷 doğal olmayan

🇰🇷 불포화의 (불포화)

🇸🇦 غير مشبع

🇨🇿 nenasycený

🇸🇰 nenasýtený

🇨🇳 不饱和的 (bù bǎohé de)

🇸🇮 nenasičen

🇮🇸 ómettuð

🇰🇿 қанықпаған

🇬🇪 არასავსები (arasavsebi)

🇦🇿 doğma olmayan

🇲🇽 insaturado

Word origin

The word 'unsaturated' is derived from the prefix 'un-' which means 'not,' combined with 'saturated,' which comes from the Latin 'saturare,' meaning 'to fill, to satisfy, or soak.' The concept initially emerged within the context of chemistry in the 19th century, particularly with developments in organic chemistry and the understanding of molecular structures. As chemists began to explore hydrocarbons and their bonding characteristics, the term was adopted to differentiate compounds that could accommodate additional hydrogen atoms (unsaturated) from those that were already maximally filled (saturated). Over time, the usage of the term expanded to other fields, including nutrition, where unsaturated fats are recognized for their significant health benefits compared to saturated fats.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,624, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.