To transfer a solute from a liquid phase to another immiscible or partially miscible liquid phase in contact with it. The term is also applied to the dissolution of material from a solid phase with a liquid in which it is not wholly soluble (i.e. leaching).
See also: solvent extraction
Sources:
Orange Book, 2nd ed., p. 95 (https://media.iupac.org/publications/analytical_compendium/)
PAC, 1993, 65, 2373. 'Nomenclature for liquid-liquid distribution (solvent extraction) (IUPAC Recommendations 1993)' on page 2377 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199365112373)