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Glite Dictionary
to demulsify

to demulsify

9.9
To make a mixture of liquids like oil and water separate into layers
  • verb
  • /dɪˈmʌl.sɪ.faɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : demulsificar
  • It is sometimes necessary to demulsify crude oil to separate water before refining.

Examples

  • The chemical treatment helps demulsify wastewater in industrial processes.

  • The technician used a special agent to demulsify the mixture during the experiment.

  • We should demulsify this mixture before proceeding.

  • Can you demulsify this solution quickly?

  • To improve the efficiency of the process, they needed to demulsify the oil and water mixture.

  • The new method is designed to demulsify fuel emulsions effectively, making them easier to separate.

  • In the laboratory, they successfully demulsified the solution to isolate the contaminants.

Synonyms

to split up
vsto demulsify
47 2.6

To divide something into smaller parts

works on separating mixed liquids specifically, not casual breaking into pieces
to separate out
vsto demulsify
  • Specialized
7 3.7

Remove one part from a mixture using a filter or another method

separates liquids from an emulsion rather than removing solids or parts
to dissever
vsto demulsify
  • Formal
1 9.9

To cut or separate something into parts, often by breaking it

targets liquid droplets in an emulsion, not general division of things
to resegregate
vsto demulsify
  • Specialized
9.8

To separate parts of a mixture into layers again by size or weight

breaks a liquid emulsion so mixed liquids become separate

Antonyms

to emulsify
  • Specialized
2 6.4

To mix two liquids like oil and water so they form a smooth, even mixture

How Separated

to demulsify
  • Specialized
9.9
to separate
297 1.9
to clarify
  • Specialized
5 4.2
to mix
416 1.0
to emulsify
  • Specialized
2 6.4

Surface Forms

demulsify infinitive
demulsified past
demulsified past participle
demulsifying present participle
demulsifies third person singular

Morphology

demulsify = emulsify (semi-transparent) = de + emuls + ify

For learners who know 'emulsify', adding 'de-' straightforwardly signals reversing that process, namely breaking an emulsion.

Etymology

Demulsify is built from de- ('remove' or 'reverse') and emulsify ('to make an emulsion', a mix of two liquids such as oil and water). So to demulsify is to 'undo' that mix and let the liquids 'separate', like breaking mayonnaise back into oil and water.