übersättigten

The German term "übersättigt" translates to "supersaturated" in English. This concept appears in various scientific contexts, most notably in chemistry and physics, and also has a metaphorical application in everyday language.

In chemistry, a supersaturated solution is one that contains more dissolved solute than is theoretically possible at a given temperature and pressure. This state is unstable, and the excess solute can be easily precipitated out of the solution by disturbing it, such as by adding a seed crystal or by mechanical shock. Supersaturated solutions are typically formed by dissolving a solute at a higher temperature and then slowly cooling the solution without allowing crystallization to occur.

In physics, the term can refer to a state of saturation that has been exceeded, often in the context of magnetic materials or light. A supersaturated vapor, for instance, is a vapor that has cooled below its condensation point without forming a liquid. This state is also unstable and can lead to rapid condensation.

Metaphorically, "übersättigt" can describe a situation where something has become excessive or overwhelming. For example, one might say they are "übersättigt" with information if they have received too much of it. This usage implies a feeling of being overloaded or having reached a limit of capacity or tolerance. The underlying idea across all these uses is the exceeding of a normal or stable limit.