supernatant

noun

su·​per·​na·​tant ˌsü-pər-ˈnā-tᵊnt 

: the usually clear liquid overlying material deposited by settling, precipitation, or centrifugation

supernatant adjective

Word History

Etymology

Latin supernatant-, supernatans, present participle of supernatare to float, from super- + natare to swim — more at natant

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

supernatant

noun

su·​per·​na·​tant ˌsü-pər-ˈnāt-ᵊnt 

: the usually clear liquid overlying material deposited by settling, precipitation, or centrifugation

supernatant adjective