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isolate
This term carries a strong sense of detachment, whether physical, social, or analytical. In a social or medical context, it often implies a forced or necessary separation to prevent contamination or influence, evoking a feeling of loneliness or sterile containment.
In scientific contexts, the word shifts toward precision and extraction. It describes the process of stripping away noise or complexity to reveal a single, pure component, such as a specific chemical or genetic sequence.
Meanings
To place someone or something in a separate location to prevent the spread of disease or to avoid contact with others.
The patient was isolated in a special ward to prevent the virus from spreading.
To separate a specific substance, variable, or component from a mixture or a complex system for the purpose of study or analysis.
Scientists have managed to isolate the gene responsible for the condition.
To make someone feel alone or separate from other people, often by limiting their social interactions or communication.
The new language barrier served to isolate him from his colleagues.
A substance, such as a protein or a chemical compound, that has been purified and separated from a complex mixture.
The researchers tested a specific protein isolate to determine its effect on cell growth.
A strain of a microorganism that has been isolated from a specific source or environment.
The lab analyzed a bacterial isolate recovered from the contaminated water sample.
Examples
Phrasal Verbs
isolate from
to separate a person or thing from others or its environment
The company tried to isolate the faulty component from the rest of the circuit.