insoluble

[in-sol-yuh-buh l] /ɪnˈsɒl yə bəl/
adjective
1.
incapable of being dissolved:
insoluble salts.
2.
incapable of being solved or explained:
an insoluble problem.
Origin
1350-1400; < Latin insolūbilis; replacing Middle English insolible < Middle French insoluble < L. See in-3, soluble
Related forms
insolubility, insolubleness, noun
insolubly, adverb
semi-insoluble, adjective
Can be confused
insoluble, insolvable, unsolvable.
Examples from the web for insoluble
  • There are two forms of fiber: soluble and insoluble.
  • It is also insoluble in water and stable in storage.
  • The deep ancestry of whales remained a virtually insoluble problem for decades.
  • The scientists said that in each case an insoluble ball of protein forms in the cell nucleus and kills it.
  • All of the hydrocarbons are virtually insoluble in water.
  • It's a great source of insoluble fiber, and you'll hardly notice the difference in flavor.
  • Reducing nitrogen in any body of water is not an insoluble problem.
  • But the problem obviously is insoluble until they face up to that necessity.
  • But the steroids in contraceptives are insoluble and do not draw in water.
  • Dietary fiber is found in plant foods, where it occurs in two forms: soluble and insoluble.
British Dictionary definitions for insoluble

insoluble

/ɪnˈsɒljʊbəl/
adjective
1.
incapable of being dissolved; incapable of forming a solution, esp in water
2.
incapable of being solved
Derived Forms
insolubility, insolubleness, noun
insolubly, adverb
Word Origin and History for insoluble
adj.

late 14c., "unable to be loosened," from Latin insolubilis "that cannot be loosened," from in- "not" (see in- (1)) + solubilis (see soluble). Figurative use, of problems, etc., is from late 14c.

It was a tacit conviction of the learned during the Middle Ages that no such thing as an insoluble question existed. There might be matters that presented serious difficulties, but if you could lay them before the right man -- some Arab in Spain, for instance, omniscient by reason of studies into the details of which it was better not to inquire -- he would give you a conclusive answer. The real trouble was only to find your man. [Gertrude Bell, "The Desert and the Sown," 1907]

insoluble in Medicine

insoluble in·sol·u·ble (ĭn-sŏl'yə-bəl)
adj.
Not soluble.

insoluble in Science
insoluble
  (ĭn-sŏl'yə-bəl)   
Not capable of being fully dissolved. Fats and oils are insoluble in water.