emulsion

noun emul·sion \ i-ˈməl-shən \

|Updated on: 22 Jul 2018

Definition of emulsion

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 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

See emulsion defined for English-language learners

See emulsion defined for kids

Examples of emulsion in a Sentence

milk is basically an oil-in-water emulsion

Recent Examples of emulsion from the Web

Some of the uses include gypsum board, brick manufacturing and emulsions.

— katherine feser, Houston Chronicle, "Plaza Group acquires line of business from Truth Industries," 12 July 2018
Shutters were too slow, film emulsions too insensitive, to capture the motion of water and clouds, much less its hues.

— richard b. woodward, WSJ, "‘Winslow Homer and the Camera: Photography and the Art of Painting’ Review: An Unclear Creative Influence," 4 July 2018
Whisk in some extra-virgin olive oil to form an emulsion.

— james p. dewan, chicagotribune.com, "5 flavor-packed sauces to pair with Fourth of July grilled steaks," 26 June 2018
Turning eggs and oil into an emulsion — that creamy, satisfying third thing — feels like magic.

— samin nosrat, New York Times, "A Green Goddess Dressing for When Speed Matters," 24 Apr. 2018
By leaving the grinder in the walk-in refrigerator, Kapur ensures that even the friction of grinding can’t melt the fat and risk the emulsion breaking.

— ali bouzari, SFChronicle.com, "Housemade: The magic of Liholiho Yacht Club," 22 June 2018
Dishes range from firm white asparagus bathed in an emulsion of smoked carrot, corn and curry to decadent duck lasagna.

— andrew ferren, WSJ, "How to Spend an Indulgent Day in Madrid for $2,400—or $400," 13 June 2018
Slowly drizzle in oil at high speed, ensuring emulsion.

— nancy miller, The Courier-Journal, "Constantly evolving MilkWood helps shape Louisville's food scene," 19 June 2018
Mackerel pickled in rhubarb juice and presented on a bed of potato with an herb emulsion and crispy barley was bracingly good, the fruity acidity brightening the oceanic tones of the fish.

— alexander lobrano, New York Times, "New New Nordic Cuisine Takes Hold in Oslo," 29 May 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1612

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

emulsion Synonyms

Other Pictures (on film) Terms

daguerreotype, fill, sepia, still, stop

EMULSION Defined for English Language Learners

emulsion

noun

Definition of emulsion for English Language Learners

: a mixture of liquids
: a thin coating on photographic film or paper that contains chemicals which are sensitive to light

EMULSION Defined for Kids

emulsion

noun emul·sion \ i-ˈməl-shən \

Definition of emulsion for Students

: 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

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