supersaturation

Supersaturation is a state in which a solution contains more solute (like salt or sugar) than it can normally hold at a given temperature. This happens when a solvent (like water) is heated to dissolve more solute, then cooled without allowing the excess solute to settle. As a result, the solution is unstable, and even a small disturbance can cause the extra solute to crystallize or precipitate out. This phenomenon is often seen in nature, such as when rain falls from supersaturated clouds, or in various scientific and industrial processes.