Etymology
Meaning
To make a solution contain more dissolved solute than it can normally hold at a given temperature and pressure.
Origin
The term "supersaturate" was first coined in the 17th century by the Dutch scientist Jan van Helmont. Van Helmont was studying the properties of gases and discovered that certain gases could be dissolved in water to a much greater extent than expected. He called this phenomenon "supersaturation."
Supersaturation can occur when a solution is cooled rapidly or when a large amount of solute is added to a solution. Under these conditions, the solute molecules cannot escape from the solution as quickly as they dissolve, and the solution becomes supersaturated.
Supersaturated solutions are unstable and can easily be precipitated out of solution by adding a small amount of seed crystals or by raising the temperature.
Etymology Latin satur adj compare to saturare v to fill to satisfy Proto Indo
Etymology Super Latin Above or beyond Saturated Latin Soaked or filled Meaning
Etymology Super prefix meaning above or beyond Saturate from Latin saturare m
