Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

supersaturated

Adjective

/ˌsuːpərˈsæʧʊreɪtɪd/

Definition

Containing more of a substance than can be dissolved in a solution at a given temperature and pressure.

Examples

The supersaturated sugar solution produced large crystals when left undisturbed.
In chemistry class, we learned how to create a supersaturated solution by gently heating the solvent.

Meaning

When a solution is supersaturated, it holds more dissolved material than it normally could at equilibrium. This can happen when a solution is heated or when additional solute is added and then undissolved material is allowed to settle.