An isolate is a distinct entity that has been separated from its original context for the purpose of study or classification.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Refers to an entity separated from a larger group.
- Commonly used in microbiology for pure cultures.
- Used in linguistics for languages without known relatives.
Overview
The noun 'isolate' (pronounced /ˈaɪ.sə.leɪt/) refers to something that exists in a state of separation. While the verb form (isolate) is common in everyday speech, the noun form is primarily used in scientific, linguistic, or technical contexts to denote a discrete subject of study that has been isolated from its original environment.
Usage Patterns
As a noun, 'isolate' is almost exclusively used in formal or academic writing. It is a countable noun, meaning it takes the plural 'isolates.' It is frequently used with modifiers, such as 'bacterial isolate' or 'linguistic isolate,' to specify the nature of the separation.
Common Contexts
In microbiology, researchers collect 'isolates' from samples to study the specific traits of a single strain of bacteria or virus. In linguistics, the term describes a 'language isolate,' such as Basque or Korean, which has no known relatives in the world's language families. In psychology or social studies, the term may occasionally refer to an individual who is socially detached from their community, though this usage is less common than the scientific one.
Similar Words Comparison
'Isolate' is often compared to 'outlier' or 'sample.' An 'outlier' is a data point that differs significantly from others in a set, whereas an 'isolate' is physically or conceptually separated from the group. A 'sample' is a portion used for analysis, but an 'isolate' specifically implies that the item was extracted or purified, highlighting the process of separation that occurred before the analysis began.
Exemples
The lab report confirmed that the bacterial isolate was resistant to antibiotics.
academicThe lab report confirmed that the bacterial isolate was resistant to antibiotics.
Basque is considered a famous language isolate in Europe.
formalBasque is considered a famous language isolate in Europe.
We need to analyze this specific isolate more closely to understand its origin.
formalWe need to analyze this specific isolate more closely to understand its origin.
The researcher carefully stored the isolate in a sterile container.
formalThe researcher carefully stored the isolate in a sterile container.
Synonymes
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
pure isolate
A sample containing only one type of organism.
clinical isolate
A sample taken from a medical patient.
Souvent confondu avec
Isolation is the state of being alone or separated, whereas an isolate is the actual object or specimen that has been separated.
Isolated is an adjective describing something that is far away or separated. Isolate is the noun referring to the thing itself.
Modèles grammaticaux
How to Use It
Notes d'usage
The noun 'isolate' is restricted to formal, technical, or academic registers. It is rarely used in everyday conversation, where the verb 'to isolate' or the noun 'isolation' is preferred. Always ensure you are referring to a specific, tangible, or distinct entity when using this as a noun.
Erreurs courantes
Learners often confuse the noun 'isolate' with the adjective 'isolated' or the noun 'isolation'. Remember that 'isolate' is the thing itself, 'isolation' is the process or state, and 'isolated' is the description of the state. Avoid using it to describe people in a social context.
Tips
Focus on Academic Contexts
Remember that this noun is almost always used in scientific or academic writing. If you are writing an essay or a lab report, this is the perfect word to use.
Avoid Using for People
Using 'isolate' to describe a person can sound dehumanizing because it is typically reserved for biological specimens or abstract concepts. Stick to 'recluse' or 'solitary person' for human subjects.
The Linguistic Meaning
The term is very famous in linguistics when discussing languages like Basque, which is the only surviving pre-Indo-European language in Europe. Learning about language isolates is a great way to remember the noun usage.
Origine du mot
Derived from the Italian 'isolato,' meaning 'detached' or 'made into an island.' It shares the same root as the word 'island'.
Contexte culturel
The term reflects the scientific desire to categorize and study things in pure forms. It is a cornerstone of modern biology and linguistics.
Astuce mémo
Think of a 'scientist in a lab coat' holding a single test tube. That single item in the tube is an 'isolate' because it has been separated from the rest.
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it is rarely used in casual speech. You are much more likely to encounter the verb form 'to isolate' in daily life.
A language isolate is a natural language with no demonstrable genealogical relationship with other languages. It is a 'language family of one' because it cannot be linked to any other known language.
The noun is pronounced /ˈaɪ.sə.leɪt/, with the stress on the first syllable. This is the same pronunciation as the verb form.
While technically possible in some sociological contexts, it is quite clinical and cold. It is better to use words like 'recluse' or 'loner' for people.
Teste-toi
The microbiologist identified a new bacterial ___ from the water sample.
We need a noun to follow the article 'a'. 'Isolate' acts as the noun here.
What is a language isolate?
A language isolate has no genealogical connection to any other language family.
Which sentence uses 'isolate' correctly as a noun?
In this sentence, 'isolate' is a noun referring to the specific specimen being studied.
Score : /3
Summary
An isolate is a distinct entity that has been separated from its original context for the purpose of study or classification.
- Refers to an entity separated from a larger group.
- Commonly used in microbiology for pure cultures.
- Used in linguistics for languages without known relatives.
Focus on Academic Contexts
Remember that this noun is almost always used in scientific or academic writing. If you are writing an essay or a lab report, this is the perfect word to use.
Avoid Using for People
Using 'isolate' to describe a person can sound dehumanizing because it is typically reserved for biological specimens or abstract concepts. Stick to 'recluse' or 'solitary person' for human subjects.
The Linguistic Meaning
The term is very famous in linguistics when discussing languages like Basque, which is the only surviving pre-Indo-European language in Europe. Learning about language isolates is a great way to remember the noun usage.
Exemples
4 sur 4The lab report confirmed that the bacterial isolate was resistant to antibiotics.
The lab report confirmed that the bacterial isolate was resistant to antibiotics.
Basque is considered a famous language isolate in Europe.
Basque is considered a famous language isolate in Europe.
We need to analyze this specific isolate more closely to understand its origin.
We need to analyze this specific isolate more closely to understand its origin.
The researcher carefully stored the isolate in a sterile container.
The researcher carefully stored the isolate in a sterile container.
Quiz rapide
The researchers successfully identified a new viral ____ from the patient's blood sample.
Correct !
La bonne réponse est : isolate
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