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supernatant Definition

super·na·tant (so̵̅o̅′pər nāt′'nt)

adjective

  1. floating on the surface or over something
  2. Chem. designating or of a liquid standing above a precipitate

Etymology: L supernatans, prp. of supernatare, to swim above < super- (see super-) + natare, to swim (see natant)

supernatant Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • liquid: Very insoluble chromates, such as lead, remove all the color from the supernatant liquid.
  • fluid: The supernatant fluid above the crystals is a saturated solution of iodine.
  • liquor: The supernatant liquor is generally pathogen free and can be used for pasture irrigation without the drawbacks associated with raw effluent dispersal.
  • plasma: Plasma, fresh-frozen means the supernatant plasma separated from a whole blood donation or plasma collected by apheresis, frozen and stored.
  • water: Recommendation 31 Attention needs to be given to the effective design of systems for separating supernatant water from sludge and backwash solids.

Used with adjective complement

  • discard: Discard supernatant, and redissolve pellet in endotoxin free water.