Diluting consists of dissolving a substance in a liquid.
In order to know the meaning of the term dilute , it is necessary, first of all, to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it is a word that derives from Latin. Exactly it comes from the verb diluere , which means “to dissolve in a liquid” and which is the result of the sum of two components of said language:
-The prefix dis- , which is used to indicate “distance.”
-The verb luere , which is synonymous with “wash.”
What is dilute
The verb dilute refers to achieving the dissolution of a substance by appealing to a liquid . The concept can also refer to reducing the concentration of a mixture by adding a solvent .
For example: “To prepare the brine, we must dilute a tablespoon of salt in a little water” , “By diluting this extra-concentrated orange juice we can obtain up to three liters of drink suitable for consumption” , “I am going to dilute the paint that I will use it in the dining room with a little turpentine.”
Among the synonyms of dilute we can highlight both liquefy and emulsify, dissolve, disintegrate and even dissolve . On the contrary, its antonyms include both concentrate and thicken .
The term in gastronomy
The action of diluting is carried out in the preparation of different gastronomic proposals. To prepare gelatin , for example, the first step is to dilute the product in water.
It is also common for powdered juice to be diluted to generate a ready-to-consume drink.
Diluting certain paints in water is essential for their use.
Thin paint
In the same way, we cannot overlook that in order to use latex paint it is also necessary to dilute it in water. In this case, the first thing will be to move it to know its consistency. Then you have to pour it into a bucket and add water little by little while stirring. Exactly it is established that the amount will be about 120 milliliters of water for every 4 liters of paint.
The last step will be to strain the mixture to achieve the consistency needed. If necessary, you can add a little more water.
Judean bitumen and remedies
It should also not be overlooked that Judean bitumen , which is obtained from petroleum, must be diluted in turpentine so that it can be used to give an aged appearance to different furniture and surfaces.
Many remedies, on the other hand, are marketed as pills that must be diluted in water so that the patient can then drink the liquid in question. With this format, pills are offered that include vitamin C, zinc and other minerals to strengthen the immune system.
Dilute in a symbolic sense
The notion of diluting, on the other hand, is used in a symbolic sense to refer to making something lose intensity or relevance .
The president of a country can ask the Minister of Economy to resign with the aim of diluting popular discontent that is expressed through massive demonstrations. By replacing the official, the president intends to send a message to the population: he is willing to change the economic course. In this way, by diluting the protests, he manages to strengthen his government.