1. the clear liquid that remains above a sediment or precipitate after centrifugation or settling
Usage: scientific; laboratory terminology

Examples

• The researcher carefully pipetted the supernatants into clean test tubes.
• After centrifugation, the supernatants were analyzed for protein content.
• The lab technician discarded the supernatants and kept the cell pellets.
• Multiple supernatants were collected at different time points during the experiment.
• The supernatants appeared clear and colorless after the separation process.
• Scientists measured the enzyme activity in the supernatants.