supernatant

noun su·per·na·tant \ˌsü-pər-ˈnā-t^ənt\

Definition of SUPERNATANT

: the usually clear liquid overlying material deposited by settling, precipitation, or centrifugation

— supernatant adjective

Latin supernatant-, supernatans, present participle of supernatare to float, from super- + natare to swim — more at natant

First Known Use: 1922

Medical Dictionary

noun su·per·na·tant \ˌsü-pər-ˈnāt-^ənt\

: the usually clear liquid overlying material deposited by settling, precipitation, or centrifugation

—supernatant adjective

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