Origin: Latin prefix super-
Supernatant has 4 different meanings across 2 categories:
the clear liquid that lies above a sediment or precipitate
The liquid that lies above a sediment or precipitate; supernate
of a liquid; floating on the surface above a sediment or precipitate
"the supernatant fat was skimmed off"
Lying or floating above a denser fluid, or above a solid sediment or precipitate (which has been separated by crystallisation, centrifugation etc.).