saturated

[sach-uh-rey-tid]

adjective

1. soaked, impregnated, or imbued thoroughly; charged thoroughly or completely; brought to a state of saturation.

2. (of colors) of maximum chroma or purity; of the highest intensity of hue; free from admixture of white.

3. Chemistry.

   1. (of a solution) containing the maximum amount of solute capable of being dissolved under given conditions.

   2. (of an organic compound) containing no double or triple bonds; having each single bond attached to an atom or group.

   3. (of an inorganic compound) having no free valence electrons.

saturated

/ ˈsætʃəˌreɪtɪd /

adjective

1. (of a solution or solvent) containing the maximum amount of solute that can normally be dissolved at a given temperature and pressure See also supersaturated

2. (of a colour) having a large degree of saturation

3. 1. containing no multiple bonds and thus being incapable of undergoing additional reactions

      a saturated hydrocarbon

   2. containing no unpaired valence electrons

4. (of a fat, esp an animal fat) containing a high proportion of fatty acids having single bonds See also polyunsaturated unsaturated

5. (of a vapour) containing the equilibrium amount of gaseous material at a given temperature and pressure See also supersaturated

6. (of a magnetic material) fully magnetized

7. extremely wet; soaked

saturated

1. Relating to an organic compound in which all the carbon atoms are joined by single bonds and therefore cannot be combined with any additional atoms or radicals. Propane and cyclopentane are examples of saturated hydrocarbons.

2. Compare unsaturated

3. Relating to a solution that is unable to dissolve more of a solute.

4. Containing as much water vapor as is possible at a given temperature. Air that is saturated has a relative humidity of 100 percent.

Other Word Forms

• nonsaturated adjective
• subsaturated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of saturated¹

First recorded in 1660–70; saturate + -ed ²

Example Sentences

In 2010, Congress passed the Hunger-Free Kids Act, which prohibited whole milk in school lunches due to concerns that saturated fat and high calories were contributing to a slew of health problems in children.

From Salon

Some believe it will put more eyes on tennis in an ever-competitive and increasingly saturated market.

From BBC

In a world saturated with images of suffering and yet paralyzed by indifference, she leaves us with a haunting question: How many more children must die before the world declares that Gaza deserves to live?

From Salon

Whatever Harris does to break through, it won’t be easy in today’s saturated media and political marketplace, which is so vastly different from what other former White House occupants faced.

From Los Angeles Times

It feels unmistakably now: a season saturated in food references, culinary hustle and edible aspiration.

From Salon

Related Words

• soaked www.thesaurus.com
• soggy 
• waterlogged