raffinate

[ raf-uh-neyt ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the part of a liquid, especially an oil, remaining after its more soluble components have been extracted by a solvent.

raffinate

/ ˈræfɪˌneɪt /

noun

1. the liquid left after a solute has been extracted by solvent extraction

raffinate

/ răf′ə-nāt′ /

1. The portion of an original liquid that remains after other components have been dissolved by a solvent. The term is often used to refer to the oil that is not dissolved in petroleum refining operations.

Word History and Origins

Origin of raffinate¹

1925–30; < French raffin ( er ) to refine ( r ( e ) - re- + affiner to refine; affine ) + -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of raffinate¹

C20: from French raffiner to refine + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

In addition to butadiene, the plant also produces raffinate, a refining byproduct used to make other chemicals.

From New York Times

"The question is whether raffinate is toxic," says Board Spokesman Brian Vance.

From Time Magazine Archive