Supernatant
/ˌsuː.pəˈneɪ.tənt/noun
Floating above a liquid or remaining on its surface after denser material has settled.
Did you know?Supernatant comes from Latin imagery of swimming above a liquid, connecting laboratory separation to the ancient metaphor of rising over what is heavier or submerged.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*uper
“Over, above, or beyond”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*snā-
“To swim or float”
Classical Latin
Latin
supernāre
“To swim or float above”
Classical Latin
Latin
supernatāns
“Floating above; present participle of supernāre”
17th Century
New Latin
supernatans
“Floating above a sediment or liquid”
18th Century
English
supernatant
“The liquid remaining above settled matter, especially in scientific use”
Modern English
English
supernatant
“Floating above or forming the upper liquid layer after separation”