Main Entry: sat·u·ra·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌsa-chə-ˈrā-shən\

Function: noun

Date: circa 1554

1 a : the act of saturating : the state of being saturated b : satiety, surfeit
2 : conversion of an unsaturated to a saturated chemical compound (as by hydrogenation)
3 : a state of maximum impregnation: as a : complete infiltration : permeation b : the presence in air of the most water possible under existent pressure and temperature c : magnetization to the point beyond which a further increase in the intensity of the magnetizing force will produce no further magnetization
4 a : chromatic purity : freedom from dilution with white b (1) : degree of difference from the gray having the same lightness —used of an object color (2) : degree of difference from the achromatic light-source color of the same brightness —used of a light-source color — compare hue 2c
5 : the supplying of a market with as much of a product as it will absorb
6 : an overwhelming concentration of military forces or firepower