Hígítva

Hígítva is a Hungarian term describing a liquid whose concentration has been reduced by adding a solvent. In Hungarian, the adjective and participial form “hígított” (and the adverb “hígítva”) derive from the verb “hígítani,” meaning to dilute. It is used in scientific, medical, and culinary contexts to indicate that a solution or mixture has been made less concentrated than the original substance.

In chemistry and pharmacology, dilution is a standard operation that preserves the amount of solute while increasing the solvent volume. The concentration after dilution can be calculated by the relation C1V1 = C2V2, where C is concentration and V is volume; equivalently, C2 = (C1V1)/V2. Dilution can be achieved by adding solvent, or by serial dilution, where concentration is reduced stepwise by known factors.

Dilution serves multiple practical purposes: preparing medications at safe or targeted doses, adjusting analytical standards, or reducing the strength of flavors in foods and beverages. It is also important in laboratories for calibration curves and in clinical settings for patient-ready solutions.

In everyday language, a “hígított” drink refers to a concentrate mixed with water or another diluent to achieve a desired taste or strength. The term emphasizes the decreased concentration rather than the absolute amount of solvent.