aliquot
/ˈæl.ɪ.kwɒt/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Exact and usually formal. It describes a number or amount that divides another number or amount with no remainder.
- Use an aliquot part of the sample.
- Twelve is an aliquot number of sixty.
noun
A smaller measured part taken from a larger amount, especially in science or laboratory work.
- Take an aliquot from the solution.
- The lab stored each aliquot separately.
Adinary Nuance
Aliquot is more exact than words like "part" or "portion." In math, it means a divisor with no remainder, not just any piece. In science, it means a measured sample taken from a larger whole. It sounds technical and is common in academic or lab writing.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- phần chia hết
- Spanish
- divisor exacto
- Chinese
- 整除数
- Japanese
- 約数
- Korean
- 약수
Etymology
From Latin aliquot, meaning “some” or “several.” It entered English in the 16th century, first in mathematics, then in science.
Common phrases
aliquot partaliquot numbertake an aliquotaliquot of a solution
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is aliquot used in everyday English?
- No, it is mainly used in math, science, and formal writing.
- What is the difference between aliquot and portion?
- An aliquot is exact and technical. A portion can be any part of something.
- How do scientists use aliquot?
- They use it for a measured sample taken from a larger liquid or mixture.