miscible

adjective

mis·​ci·​ble ˈmi-sə-bəl 

: capable of being mixed

specifically : capable of mixing in any ratio without separation of two phases

miscible liquids

miscibility

ˌmi-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

Did you know?

Miscible isn't simply a lesser-known synonym of mixable—it's also a cousin. It comes to us from the Medieval Latin adjective miscibilis, which has the same meaning as miscible and which derives, in turn, from Latin miscēre, meaning "to mix." Miscēre is also the ultimate source of our mix; its past participle mixtus (meaning "mixed") spawned mixte in Anglo-French and Middle English, and mix came about as a back-formation of mixte. The suffix -able gives us mixable, thereby completing its link to miscible. Miscible turns up most frequently in scientific discussions where it is used especially to describe fluids that don't separate when they are combined.

Examples of miscible in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After at least ~3-4,000 years of continuous admixture the synthesis is now far less coarse, and the elements much more de facto miscible. —Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 29 Oct. 2011

Superior oil, also called horticultural oil, is a highly refined miscible oil (up to 99.9 percent pure) that when mixed with water and sprayed on trees will smother overwintering insects and their eggs. —Kym Pokorny | For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 28 Dec. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin miscibilis, from Latin miscēre to mix — more at mix

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined above

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Medical Definition

miscible

adjective

mis·​ci·​ble ˈmis-ə-bəl 

: capable of being mixed

specifically : capable of mixing in any ratio without separation of two phases

miscible liquids

miscibility

ˌmis-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural miscibilities