saturated

[ sach-uh-rey-tid ]

adjective

1. soaked, impregnated, or imbued thoroughly; charged thoroughly or completely; brought to a state of saturation.
2. (of colors) of maximum chroma or purity; of the highest intensity of hue; free from admixture of white.
3. Chemistry.
   1. (of a solution) containing the maximum amount of solute capable of being dissolved under given conditions.
   2. (of an organic compound) containing no double or triple bonds; having each single bond attached to an atom or group.
   3. (of an inorganic compound) having no free valence electrons.

saturated

/ ˈsætʃəˌreɪtɪd /

adjective

1. (of a solution or solvent) containing the maximum amount of solute that can normally be dissolved at a given temperature and pressure See also supersaturated
2. (of a colour) having a large degree of saturation
3. of a chemical compound
   1. containing no multiple bonds and thus being incapable of undergoing additional reactions

      a saturated hydrocarbon

   2. containing no unpaired valence electrons
4. (of a fat, esp an animal fat) containing a high proportion of fatty acids having single bonds See also polyunsaturated unsaturated
5. (of a vapour) containing the equilibrium amount of gaseous material at a given temperature and pressure See also supersaturated
6. (of a magnetic material) fully magnetized
7. extremely wet; soaked

saturated

/ săch′ə-rā′tĭd /

1. Relating to an organic compound in which all the carbon atoms are joined by single bonds and therefore cannot be combined with any additional atoms or radicals. Propane and cyclopentane are examples of saturated hydrocarbons.
2. Compare unsaturated
3. Relating to a solution that is unable to dissolve more of a solute.
4. Containing as much water vapor as is possible at a given temperature. Air that is saturated has a relative humidity of 100 percent.

Other Words From

• non·satu·rated adjective
• sub·satu·rated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of saturated¹

First recorded in 1660–70; saturate + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Within the States, in particular, the cuisine has garnered an erroneous reputation for solely consisting of just curries or meals saturated with oil.

From Salon

When matcha is added to foods with high levels of added sugar, salt and saturated fat, any health benefits that could be attributed to the matcha may be negated.

From Salon

Published in partnership with Loose Joints, photographer Pia Riverola’s “Días” showcases her saturated and colorful photographs, evoking the warm and nostalgic mood of summertime.

From Los Angeles Times

But the concentrated sugar, saturated fat and additives in candy can throw things into disarray by feeding inflammatory microbes that weaken your gut barrier – the protective lining that separates your microbiome from the rest of the body.

From Salon

These sugar-laden confections are mostly made of high fructose corn syrup, saturated fat and additives.

From Salon

Related Words

• soaked
• soggy
• waterlogged