emulsion

noun

emul·sion i-ˈməl-shən

: 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

: the state of such a system

: 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

Example Sentences

milk is basically an oil-in-water emulsion

Recent Examples on the Web Their emulsion also includes retinyl sunflowerseedate, another bio-retinol that works to support the skin’s barrier function. —

Chloe Malle, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2023 Menu highlights include Ensaladang Talong with aubergine, heritage tomatoes, duck egg, Bistek Tartare an Aged rump cap, yeasted onion, leek emulsion and Scallop Kinilaw with Apple, trout roe, coconut and cane vinegar. —

Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 6 May 2022 Like a stage director, Sarony arranged not only props and settings but sitters’ expressions and poses, often held in place by hidden braces to accommodate the long exposure times of early photographic emulsion. —

Susan Delson, WSJ, 30 July 2021 Cheese, as a combination of protein and fat, is a kind of emulsion, and heat disrupts the net of proteins that keep the fat trapped in the curd. —

Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 18 Sep. 2011 Organic fertilizers may also include alfalfa meal, bone meal, fish emulsion, and poultry manure. —

Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 21 Feb. 2023 The two salsas — one a green emulsion of oil and tomatillos and the other a fiery red — also work to heighten the adobo-marinated pork’s power. —

Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Oct. 2022 Using an immersion blender will achieve the best emulsion. —

Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2023 Nicely cooked carrots show up with an admirable amount of lobster ($59): The tail is poached and glazed with an emulsion of orange, lobster stock and butter, while the claw meat and knuckles go into a salad on the plate. —

John Mariani, Forbes, 6 July 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'emulsion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of emulsion was in 1612

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Emulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emulsion. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

Copy Citation

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

: 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

: the state of such a system

: 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