emulsion

noun

emul·​sion i-ˈməl-shən 

1

a

: a system (such 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 sense 2b(3)

especially : a suspension of a sensitive silver salt or a mixture of silver halides in a viscous medium (such as a gelatin solution) forming a coating on photographic plates, film, or paper

Synonyms of emulsion

• mixture
• alloy
• blend
• mix
• amalgam
• amalgamation
• combination

Examples of emulsion in a Sentence

milk is basically an oil-in-water emulsion

Recent Examples on the Web

In the case of nutrient deficiency, feed your zucchini with a quick-acting liquid fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, such as fish emulsion. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 19 May 2026

The only way for workers at the Sherwin-Williams emulsion plant in Pullman is by taking Cottage Grove Avenue south of 115th Street, but those employees aren't the only ones who use the road. —Tara Molina, CBS News, 15 May 2026

An azalea or camellia fertilizer will work well, or use blood meal, fish emulsion, or bone meal. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 May 2026

For the second course, guests will be served spring herbed ravioli that includes ricotta cheese, morels and parmesan emulsion. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin emulsion-, emulsio, from Latin emulgēre to milk out, from e- + mulgēre to milk; akin to Old English melcan to milk, Greek amelgein

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for emulsion

• avulsion
• compulsion
• convulsion
• expulsion
• impulsion
• propulsion
• repulsion
• revulsion
• microemulsion

Kids Definition

emulsion

noun

emul·​sion i-ˈməl-shən 

: a material consisting of a mixture of liquids that do not dissolve in each other and having droplets of one liquid scattered throughout the other

an emulsion of oil in water

Medical Definition

emulsion

noun

emul·​sion i-ˈməl-shən 

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 sense 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

emulsive

-ˈməl-siv 

adjective