unsaturated
Meaning
(of an organic compound, especially a fat or oil molecule) having double or triple bonds between carbon atoms and therefore capable of combining with hydrogen or other atoms.
(of a solution) not containing the greatest possible amount of a dissolved substance; capable of dissolving more solute.
Structure
Usage
Olive oil is high in unsaturated fats, which are considered healthier for the heart.
The chemist added more salt to the unsaturated solution.
Unsaturated hydrocarbons like alkenes are more reactive than their saturated counterparts.
Etymology
The word 'unsaturated' is a scientific term constructed from classical elements to describe a state of chemical incompleteness. Its core, the Latin root satur (full), originates from the Proto-Indo-European root sā- (to satisfy), which also gives us 'satiate' and 'satisfy'. The prefix 'un-' (not) negates this state of fullness. In chemistry, this literal sense of "not full" was logically applied: an 'unsaturated' compound has carbon atoms not "full" of hydrogen atoms, leaving bonds available for further reaction, while an 'unsaturated' solution is not "full" to its maximum capacity of dissolved solute.
Analysis
- un: A prefix of Germanic origin (Old English) meaning "not," used to form negatives. - satur: From Latin satur meaning "full, sated, well-fed." - ated: An adjective-forming suffix from Latin -atus, indicating a state or condition.