Suspension vs. Syrup — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 5, 2023
Suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which solid particles are dispersed in a liquid. Syrup is a thick liquid made of dissolved sugars, often used as a sweetener or medication carrier.
Difference Between Suspension and Syrup
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Suspension and syrup are terms often used in the pharmaceutical and culinary worlds, but they have distinctly different meanings. A suspension refers to a heterogeneous mixture where solid particles are dispersed throughout a liquid but aren't dissolved. Over time, these particles often settle at the bottom. Syrup, on the other hand, is a concentrated solution of sugar dissolved in water or another liquid. Its consistency is typically viscous and smooth.
The primary distinction between a suspension and syrup lies in the solubility of the components. In a suspension, the solid particles are not soluble in the liquid medium and thus remain dispersed, often needing shaking before use to ensure uniformity. Syrup, conversely, involves components that are soluble, resulting in a uniform solution with a consistent texture throughout.
Suspensions are commonly found in medications where certain drug particles aren't soluble in liquid mediums. Before administration, these medicines often require shaking to ensure the drug is evenly distributed. Syrups are also prevalent in the medical field, especially in pediatric medications. The sweet taste of a syrup can mask the unpleasant taste of a drug, making it more palatable for children.
Beyond the medical realm, syrups have culinary applications. Maple syrup, corn syrup, and simple syrup are all used in cooking and baking to impart sweetness, flavor, or a particular texture. Suspensions, while less common in cooking, can be seen in certain salad dressings or beverages where ingredients separate over time.
In summary, while both suspensions and syrups can carry medications and be consumed, their fundamental difference lies in the solubility and distribution of their components. Suspensions contain undissolved particles floating in a liquid, while syrups are smooth, dissolved sugar solutions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Heterogeneous mixture with undissolved particles in a liquid.
Concentrated solution of sugar in a liquid.
Solubility
Contains insoluble particles.
Components are dissolved and soluble.
Consistency
Often cloudy with particles that can settle over time.
Typically clear and viscous.
Usage in Medication
Common for drugs not soluble in liquid mediums.
Used to make medicines palatable, especially for kids
Culinary Application
Less common, seen in certain dressings or drinks.
Common; e.g., maple syrup, simple syrup.
Compare with Definitions
Suspension
A mixture with solid particles floating in a liquid.
Some orange juices contain a suspension of pulp.
Syrup
A thick, sweet liquid solution.
She drizzled maple syrup over her pancakes.
Suspension
A heterogeneous mixture requiring agitation for uniformity.
The sediment in the bottle indicated it was a suspension.
Syrup
A viscous liquid often used as a sweetening agent.
The bartender used simple syrup to sweeten the cocktail.
Suspension
A mixture that separates over time into different layers.
The paint was a suspension and needed stirring before use.
Syrup
Concentrated sugar dissolved in water or another liquid.
The medication was in syrup form to make it taste better.
Suspension
An interruption or temporary cessation, as of an activity or of the application of a rule or law.
Syrup
In cooking, a syrup or sirup (from Arabic: شراب; sharāb, beverage, wine and Latin: sirupus) is a condiment that is a thick, viscous liquid consisting primarily of a solution of sugar in water, containing a large amount of dissolved sugars but showing little tendency to deposit crystals. Its consistency is similar to that of molasses.
Suspension
A temporary prohibition or exclusion, as from attending school or enjoying a privilege, especially as a punishment.
Syrup
A thick, sweet liquid made by dissolving sugar in boiling water, often used for preserving fruit.
Suspension
A postponement, as of a judgment, opinion, or decision.
Syrup
A wig
He has been bald for the past twenty years, his shame concealed by a syrup of some opulence
Suspension
The prolongation of one or more tones of a chord into a following chord to create a temporary dissonance.
Syrup
A thick, sweet, sticky liquid, consisting of a sugar base, natural or artificial flavorings, and water.
Suspension
The tone or tones so prolonged.
Syrup
A thick, sugary liquid made by boiling down or otherwise concentrating plant sap, juice, or grain extracts.
Suspension
A device from which a mechanical part is suspended.
Syrup
A concentrated solution of sugar in water, often used as a vehicle for medicine.
Suspension
The system of springs and other devices that insulates the chassis of a vehicle from shocks transmitted through the wheels.
Syrup
Any thick liquid that has a high sugar content and which is added to or poured over food as a flavouring.
Maple syrup
Pancake syrup
Peaches in syrup
Suspension
(Chemistry) A system in which minute particles are dispersed throughout a fluid from which they are easily filtered but not easily settled because of system viscosity or molecular interactions.
Syrup
(by extension) Any viscous liquid.
Cough syrup
Suspension
The act of suspending, or the state of being suspended.
Suspension from a hook
Syrup
A wig.
Suspension
A temporary or conditional delay, interruption or discontinuation.
Syrup
(transitive) To convert or process into syrup.
Suspension
The state of a solid or substance produced when its particles are mixed with, but not dissolved in, a fluid, and are capable of separation by straining.
Syrup
(transitive) To add syrup to.
Suspension
Thus a kind of silt or sludge.
Syrup
(transitive) To sabotage (a vehicle) by pouring syrup into the gas tank.
Suspension
The act of keeping a person who is listening in doubt and expectation of what is to follow.
Syrup
Same as Sirup, Sirupy.
Suspension
The temporary barring of a person from a workplace, society, etc. pending investigation into alleged misconduct.
Syrup
A thick sweet sticky liquid
Suspension
(education) The process of barring a student from school grounds as a form of punishment (particularly out-of-school suspension).
Suspension from school as a disciplinary measure
Syrup
A liquid solution used to mask the taste of medicines.
The pediatrician prescribed the antibiotic in syrup form for the child.
Suspension
(music) The act of or discord produced by prolonging one or more tones of a chord into the chord which follows, thus producing a momentary discord, suspending the concord which the ear expects.
Syrup
A dense liquid containing a high concentration of dissolved sugars.
Corn syrup is often used in baking to provide moisture and sweetness.
Suspension
A stay or postponement of the execution of a sentence, usually by letters of suspension granted on application to the Lord Ordinary.
Suspension
(topology) A topological space derived from another by taking the product of the original space with an interval and collapsing each end of the product to a point.
Suspension
(topology) A function derived, in a standard way, from another, such that the instant function’s domain and codomain are suspensions of the original function’s.
Suspension
(vehicle) The system of springs and shock absorbers connected to the wheels in an automobile, which allows the vehicle to move smoothly with reduced shock to its occupants.
Suspension
The act of suspending, or the state of being suspended; pendency; as, suspension from a hook.
Suspension
Especially, temporary delay, interruption, or cessation
Suspension
A conditional withholding, interruption, or delay; as, the suspension of a payment on the performance of a condition.
Suspension
The state of a solid when its particles are mixed with, but undissolved in, a fluid, and are capable of separation by straining; also, any substance in this state.
Suspension
A keeping of the hearer in doubt and in attentive expectation of what is to follow, or of what is to be the inference or conclusion from the arguments or observations employed.
Suspension
A stay or postponement of execution of a sentence condemnatory by means of letters of suspension granted on application to the lord ordinary.
Suspension
The prolongation of one or more tones of a chord into the chord which follows, thus producing a momentary discord, suspending the concord which the ear expects. Cf. Retardation.
Suspension
A mixture in which fine particles are suspended in a fluid where they are supported by buoyancy
Suspension
A time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
Suspension
Temporary cessation or suspension
Suspension
An interruption in the intensity or amount of something
Suspension
A mechanical system of springs or shock absorbers connecting the wheels and axles to the chassis of a wheeled vehicle
Suspension
The act of suspending something (hanging it from above so it moves freely);
There was a small ceremony for the hanging of the portrait
Suspension
A temporary debarment (from a privilege or position etc)
Suspension
A liquid medication containing undissolved drug particles.
The pharmacist advised shaking the suspension well before administering.
Suspension
A medium where solid particles don't dissolve but are dispersed.
Clay particles create a suspension in river water.
Common Curiosities
Is honey considered a syrup?
While honey has a syrup-like consistency, it's a natural substance made by bees, not a sugar solution.
Do suspensions separate over time?
Yes, the solid particles in a suspension often settle at the bottom over time.
Why are some medications in suspension form?
Some drugs aren't soluble in liquid but need to be administered orally. Suspensions allow for this.
How do you store syrups?
Syrups, especially medicinal ones, should be stored as directed, often in a cool, dark place.
Can a suspension be filtered to clear it?
Yes, filtering a suspension can remove the undissolved particles, leaving a clear liquid behind.
Can you give an example of a culinary syrup?
Yes, maple syrup used on pancakes is a popular culinary syrup.
Why do suspensions need to be shaken before use?
Shaking ensures that the undissolved particles are evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
Can syrups be used in cooking?
Absolutely, syrups like maple syrup, corn syrup, and simple syrup are often used in cooking and baking.
Is a suspension clear or cloudy?
A suspension is typically cloudy due to undissolved particles.
Are syrups only sweet?
While most syrups are sweet due to dissolved sugars, they can also contain flavors, medicines, or other ingredients.
Can you make a homemade syrup?
Yes, simple syrup, for instance, can be made by boiling equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves.
What's the primary purpose of a medical syrup?
Medical syrups often aim to make medications palatable, especially for children or those sensitive to taste.
What happens if a suspension is left undisturbed?
The solid particles usually settle at the bottom, separating from the liquid.
Is corn syrup the same as simple syrup?
No, corn syrup is made from cornstarch, while simple syrup is typically made by dissolving sugar in water.
Are all syrups thick in consistency?
While many syrups are viscous, the thickness can vary based on the concentration and type of sugar used.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
