aqueous
Refers to a substance that is dissolved in water or a solution where water acts as the solvent. It is a technical term frequently used in chemistry, biology, and medicine to describe liquid-based environments or substances consisting mostly of water.
Examples
3 of 5The doctor explained that the aqueous humor helps maintain the necessary pressure within the eyeball.
The physician noted that the watery fluid in the eye helps keep the internal pressure stable.
The laboratory report confirmed the presence of heavy metal ions within the aqueous medium.
The formal report verified that heavy metal ions were found in the water-based liquid.
This paint has an aqueous base, so you don't need harsh chemicals to clean your brushes.
This paint is water-based, so you can clean your brushes without using strong solvents.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'aqua' (like an aquarium) combined with the suffix '-ous' (meaning 'full of'). If a solution is 'aqueous', it is 'full of aqua'.
Quick Quiz
The chemist prepared an _______ solution by dissolving the salt crystals in distilled water.
Correct!
The correct answer is: aqueous
Examples
The doctor explained that the aqueous humor helps maintain the necessary pressure within the eyeball.
everydayThe physician noted that the watery fluid in the eye helps keep the internal pressure stable.
The laboratory report confirmed the presence of heavy metal ions within the aqueous medium.
formalThe formal report verified that heavy metal ions were found in the water-based liquid.
This paint has an aqueous base, so you don't need harsh chemicals to clean your brushes.
informalThis paint is water-based, so you can clean your brushes without using strong solvents.
Chemical reactions in an aqueous solution often behave differently than those in organic solvents due to hydrogen bonding.
academicReactions occurring in water solutions behave uniquely compared to those in other liquids because of molecular bonds.
Our manufacturing process has shifted to aqueous cleaning systems to meet new environmental regulations.
businessThe company moved to water-based cleaning methods to comply with environmental laws.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
aqueous cream
a light, water-based moisturizer used for dry skin conditions
aqueous solubility
the ability of a substance to dissolve in water
aqueous discharge
a watery secretion or flow from a wound or organ
Often Confused With
Aquatic refers to organisms that live in water, whereas aqueous refers to the chemical nature of a substance being water-based.
Usage Notes
Aqueous is primarily used in scientific, medical, and industrial contexts. It is rarely used in casual conversation to mean 'watery' unless referring to specific products like paint or cream.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'liquid' and 'aqueous' interchangeably; however, 'aqueous' specifically implies that water is the primary component or solvent, while 'liquid' can refer to oil, alcohol, or molten metal.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'aqua' (like an aquarium) combined with the suffix '-ous' (meaning 'full of'). If a solution is 'aqueous', it is 'full of aqua'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin word 'aqua', meaning water, which entered English in the 17th century.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The chemist prepared an _______ solution by dissolving the salt crystals in distilled water.
Correct!
The correct answer is: aqueous
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