An
emulsion is a
mixture of two or more
liquids that are normally
immiscible (unmixable or unblendable). Emulsions are part of a more general class of two-phase systems of
matter called
colloids. Although the terms
colloid and
emulsion are sometimes used interchangeably,
emulsion should be used when both phases, dispersed and continuous, are liquids. In an emulsion, one liquid (the dispersed
phase) is
dispersed in the other (the continuous phase). Examples of emulsions include
vinaigrettes,
milk,
mayonnaise, and some
cutting fluids for
metal working.