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

Fish emulsion supplies essential nutrients and supports soil microbial health, while liquid seaweed adds trace elements and growth hormones that enhance plant resilience and reduce drought stress. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

The first step, experts say, is saturating the skin with an essence (similar to a traditional toner) to boost moisture retention, followed by an emulsion in place of a standard moisturizer. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026

Keeping the sauce below a simmer once the sour cream is added protects the emulsion. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

Garden centers sometimes sell dedicated gopher repellent sprays, but fish emulsion, blood meal, castor oil, hot peppers, and predator urine may also help repel gophers. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 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