The macroscopic separation of a dilute emulsion into a highly concentrated emulsion, in which interglobular contact is important, and a continuous phase under the action of gravity or a centrifugal field. This separation usually occurs upward, but the term may still be applied if the relative densities of the dispersed and continuous phases are such that the concentrated emulsion settles downward.
Source:
PAC, 1972, 31, 577. 'Manual of Symbols and Terminology for Physicochemical Quantities and Units, Appendix II: Definitions, Terminology and Symbols in Colloid and Surface Chemistry' on page 611 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac197231040577)