noun
saturation
sach-uh-RAY-shun/ˌsætʃəˈreɪʃn/
The degree to which available capacity is filled.
The sponge reaches saturation, so additional water spills over its soaked surface.
Etymology
The underlying “fill full” image connects complete satisfaction of an appetite with thorough soaking. Whether formed in English or taken from the Latin noun, saturation names filling or fullness, especially when no more can be received.
In context
the dam was blighted with issues relating to drainage construction defects resulting in water management errors and saturation of the sand tailings
More examples
- After hours of rain, the soil reaches saturation.
- Market saturation makes it hard for another coffee shop to compete.
- At peak hours, the network approaches saturation and connections slow down.
Forms
saturation
saturate verb — To fill or supply to capacity.
Similar words
- fullness
- Describes how full something is without emphasizing its capacity limit.
- occupancy
- Measures occupied space or positions rather than capacity generally.