supernatant
/ˌsupərˈneɪtənt/
noun
- The liquid that lies above a sediment or precipitate after settling or centrifugation.
- After spinning the sample, the supernatant contained the dissolved nutrients.
- The supernatant was collected for further analysis in the experiment.
- The chemist decanted the supernatant to isolate the solid particles.
Antonyms
adjective
- Floating or lying above a denser liquid or solid after settling or centrifugation.
- The lab technician carefully removed the supernatant layer with a pipette.
- After the mixture settled, the supernatant liquid was clear and easy to pour off.
- In the test tube, the supernatant fluid was separated from the sediment.