i·so·late (  s -l t )tr.v. i·so·lat·ed, i·so·lat·ing, i·so·lates 1. To set apart or cut off from others. 2. To place in quarantine. 3. Chemistry To separate (a substance) in pure form from a combined mixture. 4. To render free of external influence; insulate. 5. Microbiology To separate (a pure strain) from a mixed bacterial or fungal culture. 6. Psychology To separate (experiences or memories) from the emotions relating to them. 7. Electricity a. To set apart (a component, circuit, or system) from a source of electricity. b. To insulate or shield. adj. (-l  t, -lt) Solitary; alone. n. (-l t, -lt)1. A person, thing, or group that has been isolated, as by geographic, ecologic, or social barriers. 2. Biology A population of bacteria or other cells that has been isolated. 3. Linguistics A language isolate. [Back-formation from isolated.] i so·lator n.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. |
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