saturated

adjective

sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˈsa-chə-ˌrā-təd How to pronounce saturated (audio)
1
: full of moisture : made thoroughly wet
a saturated sponge
2
a
of a solution : unable to absorb or dissolve any more of a solute at a given temperature and pressure
If more material is added to a saturated solution, no further dissolving will take place. The extra material will simply settle to the bottom of the solution.Merill C. Fellger
b
: having no double or triple bonds between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain
used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid
saturated fatty acids
see also saturated fat compare unsaturated sense b
3
of a color : having high saturation (see saturation sense 4) : pure
The early spring sky is a deep saturated blue next to the muddy brown of the dry, scrubby hills ….Sonia Shaw

Examples of saturated in a Sentence

His shirt was saturated with sweat. the area's already saturated freeways
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Similarly, a compelling brand becomes a key differentiator in saturated markets, where products and services often look alike. Raja Walia, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Other experts have encouraged women to eat well and limit foods high in sodium or saturated fats, avoid drinking and smoking, and maintain a regular yoga practice. Carmen Rios, Flow Space, 14 May 2025 Consuming too much saturated fat might increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Merve Ceylan, Health, 30 Apr. 2025 Some of these areas have already seen a lot of rain from the past week, making the ground very saturated. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for saturated

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of saturated was in 1728

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Cite this Entry

“Saturated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saturated. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

saturated

adjective
sat·​u·​rat·​ed
ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd
1
: full of moisture
2
a
: being a mixture that is unable to absorb or dissolve any more of a substance at a given temperature and pressure
b
: being a carbon compound having no double or triple bonds between carbon atoms
saturated fats

Medical Definition

saturated

adjective
sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd How to pronounce saturated (audio)
1
of a solution : unable to absorb or dissolve any more of a solute at a given temperature and pressure
2
: having no double or triple bonds between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain
used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid
coconut oil is a saturated oil
see also saturated fat compare unsaturated sense b

More from Merriam-Webster on saturated

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