saturate

[ verb sach-uh-reyt; adjective noun sach-er-it, -uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, sat·u·rat·ed, sat·u·rat·ing.

1. to cause (a substance) to unite with the greatest possible amount of another substance, through solution, chemical combination, or the like.
2. to charge to the utmost, as with magnetism.
3. to soak, impregnate, or imbue thoroughly or completely:

   to saturate a sponge with water; a town saturated with charm.

4. to destroy (a target) completely with bombs and missiles.
5. to send so many planes over (a target area) that the defensive electronic tracking equipment becomes ineffective.
6. to furnish (a market) with goods to its full purchasing capacity.

verb (used without object)

, sat·u·rat·ed, sat·u·rat·ing.

1. to become saturated.

adjective

1. saturated.

noun

1. a saturated fat or fatty acid.

saturate

verb

1. to fill, soak, or imbue totally
2. to make (a chemical compound, vapour, solution, magnetic material, etc) saturated or (of a compound, vapour, etc) to become saturated
3. tr military to bomb or shell heavily

adjective

1. a less common word for saturated

Derived Forms

• ˌsatuˈrater, noun

Other Words From

• de·satu·rate verb (used with object) desaturated desaturating
• over·satu·rate verb (used with object) oversaturated oversaturating

Word History and Origins

Origin of saturate¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin saturātus (past participle of saturāre “to fill”), equivalent to satur- “full, well-fed” ( sad ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of saturate¹

C16: from Latin saturāre, from satur sated, from satis enough

Synonym Study

See wet.

Example Sentences

"It is more dangerous now for those in landslide-prone areas because the ground has been saturated by the consecutive typhoons," Mr Nepomuceno said.

From BBC

But small-time producers already situated within a country’s borders can saturate the market.

From Salon

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

Related Words

• douse
• imbue
• immerse
• impregnate
• infuse
• penetrate
• permeate
• pervade
• soak
• steep
• suffuse
• wash