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isolate

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The definition of isolate is to separate a person from others and put him by himself, or to separate out a problem to deal with separately, or extracting a part from a hole.

(verb)

An example of isolate is when you turn everyone against your enemy, causing him to be alone.
An example of isolate is when you separate one part of a problem from the others so you can focus on solving just that aspect of the problem.
An example of isolate is when you try to identify one secret ingredient in a recipe you are eating.

See isolate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb isolated, isolating

to set apart from others; place alone
Chem. to separate (an element or compound) in pure form from substances with which it is combined or mixed
Med. to place (a patient) apart from others to prevent the spread of infection
Microbiol. to grow a pure culture of (a microbe), usually as individual colonies on a solid medium

Origin: back-form. < isolated < It isolato, pp. of isolare, to isolate < isola < L insula, island: see isle

adjective

of or relating to someone or something that is set apart

noun

a person or group that is set apart
Psychol., Sociology a person who is separated from normal social activity, as through choice, rejection, psychological problems, etc.

Related Forms:

isolable adjective
isolator noun

See isolate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb i·so·lat·ed, i·so·lat·ing, i·so·lates

To set apart or cut off from others.
To place in quarantine.
Chemistry To separate (a substance) in pure form from a combined mixture.
To render free of external influence; insulate.
Microbiology To separate (a pure strain) from a mixed bacterial or fungal culture.
Psychology To separate (experiences or memories) from the emotions relating to them.
Electricity
a. To set apart (a component, circuit, or system) from a source of electricity.
b. To insulate or shield.

adjective (-lĭt, -lātˌ)

Solitary; alone.

noun (-lĭt, -lātˌ)

A person, thing, or group that has been isolated, as by geographic, ecologic, or social barriers.
Biology A population of bacteria or other cells that has been isolated.
Linguistics A language isolate.

Origin:

Origin: Back-formation from isolated

Related Forms: