i·so·late
(ī́sə-lāt́)
[Back-formation from isolated.]
transitive verb: -lat·ed, -lat·ing, -lates.
- To set apart or cut off from others.
- To place in quarantine.
- Chemistry To separate (a substance) in pure form from a combined mixture.
- To render free of external influence; insulate.
- Microbiology To separate (a pure strain) from a mixed bacterial or fungal culture.
- Psychology To separate (experiences or memories) from the emotions relating to them.
- Electricity
- To set apart (a component, circuit, or system) from a source of electricity.
- To insulate or shield.
adjective
- Solitary; alone.
noun
- A person, thing, or group that has been isolated, as by geographic, ecologic, or social barriers.
- Biology A population of bacteria or other cells that has been isolated.
- Linguistics A language isolate.
derivatives
- íso·látor
- noun
synonyms:
isolate, insulate, seclude, segregate, sequester These verbs mean to separate from others: a mountain that isolated the village from larger towns; insulated herself from the chaos surrounding her; a celebrity who was secluded from public scrutiny; segregated the infectious patients in a special ward; sequestering a jury during its deliberations.
