isolate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb place or set apart
    insulate.
    • They isolated the political prisoners from the other inmates
  2. verb obtain in pure form
    • The chemist managed to isolate the compound
  3. verb set apart from others
    sequester; set apart; keep apart; sequestrate.
    • The dentist sequesters the tooth he is working on
  4. verb separate (experiences) from the emotions relating to them

WordNet

I"so*late transitive verb
Etymology
It. isolato, p. p. of isolare to isolate, fr. isola island, L. insula. See 2d Isle, and cf. Insulate.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Isolated ; present participle & verbal noun Isolating
Definitions
  1. To place in a detached situation; to place by itself or alone; to insulate; to separate from others.
    Short isolated sentences were the mode in which ancient wisdom delighted to convey its precepts. Bp. Warburton.
  2. (Elec.) To insulate. See Insulate.
  3. (Chem.) To separate from all foreign substances; to make pure; to obtain in a free state.

Webster 1913