water-insoluble
Học thuậtThân thiện
The scientist observes the water-insoluble powder forming a layer at the bottom of the beaker.
Definition
Adjective: - Not soluble in water: Describes a substance that cannot be dissolved in water. It does not form a homogeneous mixture when mixed with water.
Usage
The adjective "water-insoluble" is used to describe the chemical property of a material. It is typically placed before a noun or used after a linking verb like "is" or "are." - It is a technical term common in scientific, industrial, and everyday contexts (e.g., cooking, cleaning). - The hyphen is essential as it connects the two words into a single compound adjective.
Examples
- Before a noun:
- The chemist was working with a water-insoluble polymer.
- Oil is a water-insoluble liquid.
- After a linking verb:
- This new plastic coating is completely water-insoluble.
- Many vitamins are water-insoluble and require fat for absorption.
Advanced Usage
- "water-insoluble fraction": Refers to the part of a mixture that does not dissolve in water.
- The analysis focused on the water-insoluble fraction of the sediment.
- "rendered water-insoluble": Describes a process that makes a substance incapable of dissolving in water.
- The compound was rendered water-insoluble after the chemical treatment.
Variants and Related Words
- Insoluble (adj): The more general term meaning incapable of being dissolved. "Water-insoluble" is a specific type of insoluble.
- The mystery was insoluble. (figurative use meaning unsolvable)
- Chalk is insoluble in water.
- Hydrophobic (adj): In chemistry and biology, describes a substance that repels or fails to mix with water. This is related but emphasizes aversion to water rather than just the inability to dissolve.
- The hydrophobic coating causes water to bead up on the surface.
Synonyms
- Non-water-soluble: Having the same literal meaning.
- Immiscible with water: Specifically for liquids that do not form a solution with water (e.g., oil and water).
- Lipophilic (adj): Literally "fat-loving"; often describes substances soluble in fats/oils but not in water. This is a related property but not a perfect synonym.
Antonyms
- Water-soluble (adj): Capable of being dissolved in water.
- Sugar is water-soluble.
- Hydrophilic (adj): Having an affinity for water; readily absorbing or dissolving in water.
The scientist observes the water-insoluble powder forming a layer at the bottom of the beaker.
Adjective
- not soluble in water