supernatant

noun

su·​per·​na·​tant ˌsü-pər-ˈnā-tᵊnt 

: the usually clear liquid overlying material deposited by settling, precipitation, or centrifugation

supernatant adjective

Examples of supernatant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An inspection by the Department of Health found that Kimbrell removed more than the statutory limit of 4,000 cubic centimeters of supernatant fat during a liposuction on May 13, 2024. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin supernatant-, supernatans, present participle of supernatare to float, from super- + natare to swim — more at natant

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for supernatant

• noncombatant
• combatant
• patent

Medical Definition

supernatant

noun

su·​per·​na·​tant ˌsü-pər-ˈnāt-ᵊnt 

: the usually clear liquid overlying material deposited by settling, precipitation, or centrifugation

supernatant adjective