saturated
UK[ˈsætʃəreɪtɪd]US[ˈsætʃəreɪtɪd]
adj
(of a solution or substance) containing the largest possible amount of a particular solute, so that no more can be dissolved.
adj
(of a color) very bright, full, and free from an admixture of white.
adj
(of a fat molecule) containing the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms, without double or triple bonds.
adj
completely filled or soaked with something so that no more can be held or absorbed.
Morpheme Breakdown
satur
ate
ed
satur
full
ate
verb suffix
ed
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'saturated' originates from the latin verb 'saturare', meaning 'to fill, glut, sate'. this verb itself derives from the latin adjective 'satur', signifying 'full, well-fed, sated'. the latin root can be traced further back to the proto-indo-european root 'sa-', meaning 'to satisfy'. the '-ate' suffix forms the verb, and the '-ed' suffix creates the participial adjective form. the core semantic journey is from the ancient concept of being filled or satisfied, particularly with food, to the modern scientific and general meanings of being filled to maximum capacity, whether with a dissolved substance, color, or moisture.
Analysis
Structure: satur (full) + ate (verb suffix) + ed (adjective suffix)
- satur: from latin 'satur' meaning 'full, sated'.
- ate: a suffix forming verbs from nouns or adjectives, from latin '-atus'.
- ed: a suffix forming adjectives from verbs, indicating a state or condition.
Examples
the solution became saturated, and salt crystals began to form at the bottom of the beaker.
she wore a dress in a saturated hue of emerald green.
the market is saturated with similar products, making it hard for new ones to stand out.