noun

emulsion

ih-MUL-shuhn

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Emulsion (noun) means a mixture in which tiny droplets of one liquid are spread evenly through another liquid that would not normally blend with it, such as oil in water. Example: “Whisk the oil in slowly or the emulsion will split.”

noun

A mixture in which tiny droplets of one liquid are spread evenly through another liquid that would not normally blend with it, such as oil in water.

"Whisk the oil in slowly or the emulsion will split."

"Milk is a natural emulsion of fat droplets in water."

chiefly British A water-based paint with a matt or soft sheen finish, used mainly on interior walls and ceilings.

"Two coats of white emulsion covered the old wallpaper."

"Buy a five-litre tub of vinyl matt emulsion."

technical The light-sensitive coating on photographic film or paper.

"The emulsion had lifted from the negative in two places."

How to use emulsion

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTwo liquids that do not mix, beaten together so tiny drops of one hang in the other.

When to use it

The chemical and cookery senses are international; the paint sense is British, where Americans say latex paint.

Memory tip

The verb is emulsify, and the ingredient that holds the mixture together is an emulsifier.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

emulsion vs suspension emulsion vs gloss

Common pairings

stable emulsion oil-in-water emulsion the emulsion splits matt emulsion

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “emulsion” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Whisk the oil in slowly or the _____ will split.

Etymology

From Latin emulgere "to milk out", because the earliest emulsions resembled milk.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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suspension colloid mixture wall paint latex paint

Related words

mix mixed combination hanging composition suspension mixture hybrid

Rhymes for emulsion

region billion ablation allusion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension oxidation

See all rhymes for emulsion →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between emulsion and gloss paint?

Emulsion is water-based, dries quickly to a matt or slightly sheened finish and is used on walls and ceilings. Gloss is harder-wearing and shiny, and is used on woodwork and metal such as skirting boards and door frames.

Is mayonnaise an emulsion?

Yes. It is oil droplets held in a small amount of water-based liquid from the egg yolk and vinegar, with lecithin in the yolk acting as the emulsifier that stops the two separating.

What makes an emulsion split?

Adding the oil too fast, mixing too little, or a big temperature change can let the droplets merge back together into a separate layer. Whisking a fresh yolk or a spoonful of the broken sauce into a new base often rescues it.

What is the meaning of emulsion?

"emulsion" (noun) means a mixture in which tiny droplets of one liquid are spread evenly through another liquid that would not normally blend with it, such as oil in water.

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mix mixed combination hanging composition suspension mixture hybrid