aqueous

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a nounchemistry

   Made with water, dissolved in water, or using water as the liquid part.

   Grammar: Usually before a noun: an aqueous solution.

   Patterns

   • an aqueous solution
   • aqueous layer

   The salt formed an aqueous solution when it was stirred into water.

   The chemist separated the aqueous layer from the oily one.

   Many medicines are given as aqueous suspensions.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounmedical

   Describing the clear fluid that fills the front part of the eye.

   Grammar: Appears in the phrase aqueous humor.

   Patterns

   • aqueous humor

   The aqueous humor keeps the front of the eye inflated.

   Glaucoma can result from poor drainage of the aqueous fluid.

Common combinations

aqueous solution

Dissolve the sugar to make an aqueous solution.

aqueous humor

The aqueous humor nourishes the cornea.

aqueous layer

Drain the aqueous layer into a separate flask.

aqueous medium

The reaction takes place in an aqueous medium.

aqueous phase

The compound stays in the aqueous phase.

Synonyms and how they differ

watery

Watery is an everyday word and often suggests thin or weak, while aqueous is scientific and neutral.

hydrous

Hydrous describes a substance that contains water within its structure, which is narrower than aqueous.

Opposites

Word family

aqua noun

water, or a light blue-green color

aquatic adjective

living or taking place in water

aquarium noun

a tank or building for fish and water plants

aquifer noun

an underground layer that holds water

Commonly confused: aqueous or aquatic?

Practice

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