sat·u·rate • v. / ˈsachəˌrāt/ [tr.] (usu. be saturated) cause (something) to become thoroughly soaked with liquid so that no more can be absorbed: the soil is saturated. ∎  cause (a substance) to combine with, dissolve, or hold the greatest possible quantity of another substance: the groundwater is saturated with calcium hydroxide. ∎  magnetize or charge (a substance or device) fully. ∎  Electr. put (a device) into a state in which no further increase in current is achievable. ∎  (usu. be saturated with) fig. fill (something or someone) with something until no more can be held or absorbed: they've become thoroughly saturated with powerful and seductive messages from the media. ∎  supply (a market) beyond the point at which the demand for a product is satisfied: Japan's electronics industry began to saturate the world markets.• n. / -rət/ (usu. saturates) a saturated fat.DERIVATIVES: sat·u·ra·ble / -əbəl/ adj. ( technical ).

saturate †satisfy, satiate XVI; cause to combine with the utmost quantity of another substance XVII; soak thoroughly XVIII. f. pp. stem of L. saturāre, f. satur full, satiated; see SAD, -ATE3.
So saturation XVI. — late L.