supernatant Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the clear liquid that lies above a sediment or precipitate
  2. adjective satellite of a liquid; floating on the surface above a sediment or precipitate
    • the supernatant fat was skimmed off

WordNet

Su`per*na"tant adjective
Etymology
L. supernatanus, p.pr. of supernatare to swim above; super above + natare to swim.
Definitions
  1. Swimming above; floating on the surface; as, oil supernatant on water. <--
Su`per*na"tant noun
Definitions
  1. (Chem.) 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. -->

Webster 1913