First Known Use: 1612
Dictionary
emulsion
noun emul·sion \i-ˈməl-shən\
: a mixture of liquids
: a thin coating on photographic film or paper that contains chemicals which are sensitive to light
Full Definition of EMULSION
1
a : a system (as fat in milk) consisting of a liquid dispersed with or without an emulsifier in an immiscible liquid usually in droplets of larger than colloidal size b : the state of such a system
2
: suspension 2b(3); especially : a suspension of a sensitive silver salt or a mixture of silver halides in a viscous medium (as a gelatin solution) forming a coating on photographic plates, film, or paper
See emulsion defined for English-language learners
See emulsion defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of EMULSION
New Latin emulsion-, emulsio, from Latin emulgēre to milk out, from e- + mulgēre to milk; akin to Old English melcan to milk, Greek amelgein
Related to EMULSION
- Synonyms
- admixture, alloy, amalgam, amalgamation, cocktail, combination, composite, compound, conflation, blend, fusion, intermixture, meld, mix, mixture, synthesis
Other Pictures (on film) Terms
Rhymes with EMULSION
EMULSION Defined for Kids
emulsion
noun emul·sion \i-ˈməl-shən\
Definition of EMULSION for Kids
: two liquids mixed together so that tiny drops of one liquid are scattered throughout the other
Medical Dictionary
emulsion
noun emul·sion \i-ˈməl-shən\
Medical Definition of EMULSION
1
a : a system (as fat in milk) consisting of a liquid dispersed with or without an emulsifier in an immiscible liquid usually in droplets of larger than colloidal size b : the state of such a system
2
: suspension 2; especially : a suspension of a sensitive silver salt or a mixture of halides of silver in a viscous medium (as a gelatin solution) forming a coating on photographic plates, film, or paper
—emul·sive \-ˈməl-siv\ adjective
Learn More About EMULSION
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: emulsion paintPrevious Word in the Dictionary: emulsifyAll Words Near: emulsion
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up emulsion? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).