1. Not saturated; denoting a solution in which the solvent is capable of dissolving more of the solute. 2. Denoting a chemical compound in which all the affinities are not satisfied, so that still other atoms or radicals may be added to it. 3. In organic chemistry, denoting compounds containing double and/or triple bonds or a ring structure.
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a) capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something <an \unsaturated solution>
b) able to form products by chemical addition esp containing double or triple bonds between carbon atoms <\unsaturated fats>
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un·sat·u·rat·ed (ən-sachґə-rāt″əd) not saturated; applied to a chemical compound in which two or more atoms are united by double or triple bonds, which contain multiple pairs of shared electrons. Such compounds may still add atoms or groups to the unsaturated bonding atoms up to a limit of bonding power, or saturation. Most commonly refers to carbon-carbon bonds, as in unsaturated fatty acids. Also applied to a solution in which more solute may still be dissolved under stated conditions.
Unsaturated (A) and saturated (B) two-carbon hydrocarbons.
Medical dictionary. 2011.