syneresis

noun

syn·​er·​e·​sis sə-ˈner-ə-səs How to pronounce syneresis (audio)
-ˈnir-,
especially for sense 2
ˌsi-nə-ˈrē- How to pronounce syneresis (audio)
1
2
: the separation of liquid from a gel caused by contraction

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin synaeresis, from Greek synairesis, from synairein to contract, from syn- + hairein to take

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of syneresis was circa 1577

Dictionary Entries Near syneresis

Cite this Entry

“Syneresis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syneresis. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

syneresis

noun
syn·​ere·​sis
variants also synaeresis
: the separation of liquid from a gel caused by contraction

More from Merriam-Webster on syneresis

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!