Category:Supernatant

Su`per*na"tant, a. Etym: [l. supernatanus, p.pr. of supernatare to Swim above; super above + natare to swim.]

Defn: swimming above; floating on the surface; as, oil supernatant on Water. Supernatant Su`per*na"tant, n. (chem.)

Defn: the liquid remaining after solids suspended in a liquid have Been sedimented by gravity or by centrifugation. Contrasted with the Solid sediment, or (in centrifugation) the pellet.