The fine grinding of a powder is called?

The fine grinding of a powder is referred to as trituration. This process involves reducing the particle size of a solid substance, which can enhance its solubility, improve the uniformity of a mixture, or prepare a medication for compounding. Trituration is commonly used in pharmacy for preparing powders that need to be finely ground for mixing with other ingredients or for compounding purposes.

During trituration, a mortar and pestle are typically used to achieve the desired fineness, allowing for even distribution of the active ingredient when mixed with excipients or other powders. This technique is essential in pharmaceutical preparations to ensure that dosages are accurate and consistent.

In contrast, suspension refers to a system where solid particles are dispersed in a liquid but are not dissolved, while emulsion describes a mixture of two immiscible liquids, generally oil and water, with the use of emulsifying agents. Extemporaneous compounding is a broader term that refers to the preparation of medication on demand, customized for a specific patient, and does not specifically focus on the fine grinding of powders.