In a centrifuged tube, what is referred to as the supernatant?

The supernatant is defined as the liquid that remains above the solid residue after a mixture has been centrifuged. During centrifugation, materials in a sample are separated based on their density. The denser components move to the bottom of the tube, forming a solid mass known as the pellet. The lighter components, which may include proteins, cellular components, and other fluids, remain suspended in the liquid above this solid layer. This liquid is what is specifically referred to as the supernatant. It contains the soluble materials and is often the portion of interest for further analysis or experimentation after centrifugation.