undersaturated

[ uhn-der-sach-uh-rey-tid ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. unsaturated ( def 2 ).

undersaturated

/ ˌʌndəˈsætʃəˌreɪtɪd /

adjective

1. (of an igneous rock) having a low silica content

Other Words From

• under·satu·ration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of undersaturated¹

First recorded in 1820–30; under- + saturated

Example Sentences

Waldbusser and colleagues have found that in waters undersaturated with carbonate, the larvae of bivalves such as clams and oysters have trouble starting their shells, which form more slowly or turn out misshapen.

From Nature

According to the paper, there was a “strong positive correlation” between the proportion of sea butterflies with severe shell dissolution damage and “the percentage of undersaturated water” near the ocean’s surface.

From Time

“Honey,” the impressive debut feature by Ms. Golino, sustains a contemplative mood with undersaturated cinematography that evokes the world as perceived through a light mist.

From New York Times

The buildup of atmospheric CO2 will rapidly increase the amount of undersaturated waters in the upper 60 meters of ocean, where most organisms live, the team reports online today in Science.

From Science Magazine

But by 2050, surface waters of the California Current System will be undersaturated for half of the year.

From Science Magazine