saturate
UK: ˈsætʃəreɪt | US: ˈsætʃəreɪt
vt. to soak or fill something completely with a substance
vt. to cause a substance to absorb or combine with the maximum amount of another substance
vt. (chemistry) to cause a solution to contain the highest possible concentration of a solute
The word saturate traces back to Latin saturare, meaning "to fill or glut," from satur (full). It originally described filling something to capacity, like soaking a sponge with water. Over time, it expanded into scientific contexts, such as chemistry, where it denotes reaching maximum solubility. The core idea of "fullness" remains central to its modern meanings.
Heavy rain can saturate the soil, making it difficult for plants to absorb oxygen.
The chemist needed to saturate the solution with salt before crystals would form.
Advertisers often saturate social media with promotional content during holidays.
The sponge was so saturated with water that it dripped when squeezed.
Overfishing has saturated the market with cheap, low-quality seafood.