emulsion

[ ih-muhl-shuhn ]

noun

1. Physical Chemistry. any colloidal suspension of a liquid in another liquid.
2. such a suspension used in cosmetics.
3. Pharmacology. a liquid preparation consisting of two completely immiscible liquids, one of which, as minute globules coated by a gum or other mucilaginous substance, is dispersed throughout the other: used as a means of making a medicine palatable.
4. Photography. a composition sensitive to some or all of the actinic rays of light, consisting of one or more of the silver halides suspended in gelatin, applied in a thin layer to one surface of a film or the like.

emulsion

/ ɪˈmʌlʃən /

noun

1. photog a light-sensitive coating on a base, such as paper or film, consisting of fine grains of silver bromide suspended in gelatine
2. chem a colloid in which both phases are liquids

   an oil-in-water emulsion

3. Also calledemulsion paint a type of paint in which the pigment is suspended in a vehicle, usually a synthetic resin, that is dispersed in water as an emulsion. It usually gives a mat finish
4. pharmacol a mixture in which an oily medicine is dispersed in another liquid
5. any liquid resembling milk

emulsion

/ ĭ-mŭl′shən /

1. A suspension of tiny droplets of one liquid in a second liquid. By making an emulsion, one can mix two liquids that ordinarily do not mix well, such as oil and water.
2. Compare aerosol

Derived Forms

• eˈmulsive, adjective

Other Words From

• e·mulsive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of emulsion¹

1605–15; < New Latin ēmulsiōn- (stem of ēmulsiō ), equivalent to Latin ēmuls ( us ) milked out ( ē- e- ¹ + mulsus, past participle of mulgēre to milk) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of emulsion¹

C17: from New Latin ēmulsiō, from Latin ēmulsus milked out, from ēmulgēre to milk out, drain out, from mulgēre to milk

Example Sentences

Set to cool and then blend on high speed to make an emulsion.

From The Daily Beast

That's great if you're trying to create an emulsion, but Tejedor had a few other tricks in store.

From The Daily Beast

Whisking oil and vinegar in a bowl is the most tenuous kind of emulsion.

From The Daily Beast

According to modern ideas, no true miscibility exists, but a suspension or emulsion is formed (see Ostwald, p. 237).

From Project Gutenberg

An emulsion of the oil which may be miscible with water, but from which the fat tends to separate and rise to the top.

From Project Gutenberg

After the emulsion is boiled in such a kettle it is allowed to stand until cool, when the ammonia is added.

From Project Gutenberg

It is particularly adapted for finely dividing large quantities of emulsion.

From Project Gutenberg

The stiffened emulsion is then placed in the bag, o p q r, made of fine but strong canvas, with meshes about 0.5 mm.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• acrylic
• color
• cosmetic
• dye
• enamel
• latex
• makeup
• oil
• pigment
• stain
• varnish
• wax