RS.6-8.1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. RS.9-10.4. Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context.
A: The word decant means to pour or otherwise extract only liquid from a container that holds both liquid and solid particles. In chemistry, this term is often used in experiment instructions. Though the word has applications in other areas (as wine connoisseurs will gladly tell you), in chemistry, decanting is the act of removing liquid from a container that contains both liquid and solid particles.
Definition - What does Supernatant mean? The supernatant is the clear liquid that lies above the solid residue after centrifugation, precipitation, crystallization or settling. The liquid is normally free of precipitate and has a lower density. The process leading to the supernatant formation is used in separating the several components making up a complex mixture.