insoluble

[ in-sol-yuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. incapable of being dissolved:

   insoluble salts.

2. incapable of being solved or explained:

   an insoluble problem.

insoluble

/ ɪnˈsɒljʊbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being dissolved; incapable of forming a solution, esp in water
2. incapable of being solved

insoluble

/ ĭn-sŏl′yə-bəl /

1. Not capable of being fully dissolved. Fats and oils are insoluble in water.

Derived Forms

• inˈsolubly, adverb
• inˌsoluˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• in·solu·bili·ty in·solu·ble·ness noun
• in·solu·bly adverb
• semi-in·solu·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of insoluble¹

1350–1400; < Latin insolūbilis; replacing Middle English insolible < Middle French insoluble < L. See in- ³, soluble

Example Sentences

It had landed in the reject pile because a second set of tests had suggested it was too insoluble to be a potential drug.

From MIT Technology Review

This still leaves the possibility of creating insoluble paradoxes.

From Nautilus

Although there was plenty of water and carbon dioxide available to work with billions of years ago, phosphorus was wrapped up in insoluble, unreactive rocks.

From MIT Technology Review

Bennett says the conflict with the Palestinians is “insoluble” and sounds almost happy about it.

From The Daily Beast

In other words, they were not going to let the most insoluble problems trump what could be achieved.

From The Daily Beast

Worrying about Yemen is a way not to worry about the insoluble problems of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

From The Daily Beast

Crystals of calcium oxalate are insoluble in acetic acid or caustic soda.

From Project Gutenberg

It is in this way that lime, which occurs in the soil principally as the insoluble carbonate, is dissolved and absorbed.

From Project Gutenberg

Starch is insoluble in cold water, but by boiling, it dissolves, forming a thick paste.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a white crystalline fusible solid, insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol and in solutions of the alkalies.

From Project Gutenberg

The greater part of the organic matters are insoluble both in water and acids.

From Project Gutenberg