accelerator mass spectrometry

noun

chemistry
: a technique of mass spectrometry that uses a particle accelerator to bring a small amount of the sample to be analyzed to high velocities
Although accelerator mass spectrometry … was introduced in 1977, it remains relatively unknown in the chemistry community.Celia M. Henry
abbreviation AMS
accelerator mass spectrometer noun

Examples of accelerator mass spectrometry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The new dating method uses accelerator mass spectrometry to measure radioactive nuclides in the rocks. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2022 German scientists recently took another crack at dating Big Shigir using the latest dating technique: accelerator mass spectrometry . Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 2 Sep. 2015 Burger and his colleagues used a type of radiocarbon dating called accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) to date the teeth and bones of 26 individuals recovered from burial sites around Machu Picchu. Nora McGreevy, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Aug. 2021 Richard Burger, a professor of anthropology at Yale University, and his team of researchers used accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating of human remains to reach the new conclusion that the site was built decades earlier. Jessica Poitevien, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2021 However, Burger and his team used accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating of human remains to get a more accurate picture. Jack Guy, CNN, 3 Aug. 2021 In 2018, scientists including Terberger used accelerator mass spectrometry technology to argue that the wooden object was about 11,600 years old. Nora McGreevy, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Mar. 2021 So the scientists instead used accelerator mass spectrometry to perform radiocarbon dating on samples from the largest, oldest trees in southern Africa. Amina Khan, latimes.com, 11 June 2018 This is why the team focused on a combination of ceramic analysis based on styles and forms, accelerator mass spectrometry and inscriptions found on some of the ceramic vessels. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 16 May 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'accelerator mass spectrometry.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accelerator mass spectrometry was in 1980

Dictionary Entries Near accelerator mass spectrometry

accelerator

accelerator mass spectrometry

accelerogram

Cite this Entry

“Accelerator mass spectrometry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accelerator%20mass%20spectrometry. Accessed 1 May. 2024.

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